A FORMER Honiton Community College student is set to become a top gun in the RAF.

A FORMER Honiton Community College student is set to become a top gun in the RAF.

Nathan Shawyer, 17, has been accepted into the RAF as an officer to train as a pilot.

He is one of just 80 trainee pilots to be recruited by the RAF this year.

Nathan, a member of 1064 Squadron Air Training Corps, in Honiton, will start his basic 32-week training course at RAF College Cranwell on August 30.

"It will be my officer training, covering the theory and etiquette," he said.

"I went through a very tough selection process, but I know that taking part in the 35-mile Ten Tors challenge and the activities I undertook through the Air Training Corps helped.

"I don't know anyone else from the South West who got through.

"It's been my ambition since I was very young.

"I hope to go on to fly the Typhoon - the latest combat fighter."

Nathan has just left Exeter College after studying English language, geography and physics at A-level.

He is the son of Jon and Vicki Shawyer, of Yallop Way.

Through gliding and other scholarships, Nathan has already clocked up 12 hours' flying time.

He is keen to encourage other young people to follow in his footsteps.