THE PROUD family of a Risca bank worker joined around a hundred people to watch Welsh RAF reservists at their passing-out parade at the weekend.

Ex-Bettws High School pupil Gareth Jones and 21 other recruits are the first members of Number 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron to graduate since the unit was reformed in 2014.

Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Jones, 28, who is a technical underwriter for Lloyds admitted it had been an "awesome day", adding he was glad to be moving on to finish his second phase of training.

The squadron is paired with RAF Waddington, an operational air force base in Lincolnshire and the airman said he was looking forward to starting to work with them in his role in admin support.

LAC Jones’s mum Angela said she was "so proud" to see her son take part in the passing-out parade, "it really touched my heart" she said.

Also graduating was Argus Digital Editor Martin Wade. He said it was “a very special day” adding it was an honour to be part of the first recruits to graduate with the squadron since 1957 when it was disbanded. Officer Cadet Wade joined the squadron to work as in media operations and he will begin his officer training at RAF Cranwell in May.

The families and friends of the reservists were entertained in the squadron bar following the parade at the unit’s Cardiff base

The part-time airmen and women reservists were on parade at the headquarters of Wales' only RAF reserve unit.

The 'passing out' parade marked their completion of the first phase of their training at RAF Halton where they learn how to handle a weapon, deal with chemical and biological attacks and how to give battlefield first-aid.

The recruits are drawn from men and women from across Wales and the west who have chosen to give some of their spare time to the Royal Air Force.