New Red Arrows' team leader named

The RAF Red Arrows team will now undergo six months of training

A man from Thornbury near Bristol has been chosen as the new team leader of the world-famous RAF Red Arrows.

Squadron Leader Jas Hawker, 35, is expected to command the 100-strong squadron for the next three years.

He will lead the team and will perform at more than 90 displays throughout the UK and Europe in 2007.

"It is a huge privilege to be selected to command the Red Arrows and one that I am already thoroughly enjoying," said Mr Hawker.

The next six months will be taken up with intensive training before the team reaches the required standard to begin the Red Arrows' public display season in May 2007.

Mr Hawker was educated at The Castle School in Thornbury. Whilst there he was a member of his local Air Training Corps and gained an RAF sixth form scholarship.

RAF Red Arrows The team were created in 1965 They have flown more than 4,000 displays in 52 countries 2007 will be their 43rd display season

He joined the RAF immediately after completing his A-Levels. After training, his operational flying career began on the Tornado GR1 ground attack aircraft.

During his career he has been involved in military exercises all over the world and recent operations in the Middle East and has amassed more than 4,000 flying hours.