FLIGHT Sgt Dave Lawford is celebrating after becoming a fully qualified weapons instructor.

He serves with 59 Squadron Air Training Corps in Huddersfield and, at 18, he is officially the youngest weapons instructor in the Corps.

He can now conduct weapon handling tests and supervise cadets on the firing range.

Gerald Smith, the civilian instructor in charge of shooting at the Squadron, said: "Dave's success speaks for itself.

"He's been an enthusiastic and dedicated student of the sport for many years and I'm glad he's reached the stage where he can share his experience with other cadets."

Dave has also been gaining new skills in the air and recently gained his silver wings as a glider pilot during an intensive week-long course held at RAF Cranwell and RAF Syerston.

He hopes to be able to take the advanced gliding course later in the year.

Dave said: "It's been a great year for me so far.

"As well as gliding and the weapons qualifications, I became a staff cadet and gained my Millennium Volunteer and canoeing one and two- star awards.

"I was even selected to play football for the Wing, representing the whole of South and West Yorkshire. I certainly didn't think I'd achieve so much in less than six months!"