A HALESOWEN teenager is flying high - after graduating with the RAF at the age of just 19.

Former Windsor High School and Sixth Form pupil Matthew Griffiths passed his initial 10-week Phase 1 Training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

He enjoyed his graduation ceremony at RAF Cranwell in a historic event that brought officers and recruits together for the first time in commemoration of 100 years since the RAF was formed.

The ceremony featured celebratory flyovers from an original Spitfire and two F-35 jets.

"It was a very emotional day for us watching the parade and we are so proud of him." said mum Laura Griffiths.

"Basic training was the hardest thing I've ever done but I felt very proud of myself especially when stood on the parade square next to my fellow recruits," said Matthew.

"I'm now about to start a nine-month Phase 2 trade training course at RAF Cosford before joining a squadron in the wider air force."