Arrows joy for South West pilot

The Red Arrows have been performing for 40 years

An RAF pilot from north Cornwall has started training with the world-famous aerobatic team, the Red Arrows.

Flight Lieutenant Damian Ellacott, from Launceston, will fly in 90 displays next year in Britain and Europe.

The pilot will undergo six months' preparation with the Red Arrows based at RAF Scampton near Lincoln.

Ft Lt Ellacott said he is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the ace team which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

Frontline experience

He told BBC News that his training has started with basic skills and confidence building.

"We've started off with formations of four then five and for the next few months it will be small formations like that to concentrate on the basics of close-formation flying," he said.

All Red Arrows pilots must have completed at least one operational tour on a frontline fast jet such as the Tornado, Harrier and Jaguar.

They must also have a minimum of 1,500 flying hours.