A DARWEN student is flying high after getting a job with the Royal Air Force, becoming one of only a handful female firefighters in the RAF in the UK.

Jamie Stocks, 23, of Darwen, was offered the position after graduating with a BA (Hons) in fire and rescue service management from University Centre at Blackburn College.

Jamie initially completed a Level Three in public services before moving on to a foundation degree, then the BA (Hons), and graduated earlier this month with a 2:1.

The former Darwen Vale High School pupil has started her new role at the RAF Firefighter Section at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and is one of only a select number of female firefighters in the RAF in the UK.

She said: "I have had a fantastic time at University Centre at Blackburn College and did not have to travel to gain my degree."

Jamie also completed a work placement in South Africa as part of her course with Blackburn College.

She also undertook work experience at RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, as well as Merseyside, Oxfordshire and London Fire and Rescue Services.

She said: "During my time in Cape Town I worked at the Disaster Risk Management Centre where I was able to take part in a variety of tasks and training courses, such as public awareness campaigns and an event safety management course."

Tutor Gordon MacLeod, a former fire officer in Oxfordshire, was there to watch her during her passing out ceremony at RAF Manson, Kent, and supported her through her journey.

He said: "This is only the sixth year the course has been running and Jamie got on well with all her tutors and produced some outstanding work.

“We work with Lancaster University which validates the programme and our focus on work experience has paid off with many students now gaining employment in a range of fire and rescue roles.

“Jamie in particular did so well that she was offered a three-month extended placement in South Africa, where she helped with a major flooding incident, as well as humanitarian work and teaching."