Warrant Officer, Gordon Robert Dick, is now based at RAF Northolt, near London. He has been in the RAF for 33 years and has worked through the ranks.

Gordon, 50, decided to join the RAF when he was just 13 years old. He went to see the RAF to see what he needed to do.

His step-grandfather was in the RAF and he got the original idea from him to join.

His mother Anne Dick, who still lives in Rothbury, said: "I am very proud of him and what he has achieved. He has followed his dreams."

Officer Dick has travelled with his job and was in service in Germany for five years.

He has lived in Wiltshire for more than 12 years with his wife Karen and daughters Emma, 24, Stacey, 23, and Amanda, 21.

But his mother said he has not lost his love for the North East or his accent.

Officer Dick still loves returning to Rothbury and likes to keep involved with what is going on in the area.

He was awarded his MBE at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

Gordon's mother was unable to be at the ceremony in London.