A FORMER Worcester student has been recognised for her work in the armed forces.

Senior Aircraftwoman Rachel Hewlett has been presented with a Royal Air Force accolade for her excellence during a course for administrative work.

The 21-year-old, from Meadow Road, Claines, has received the Award of The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Medal.

It is an annual prize given to the best student on the RAF personnel administrator course.

SAC Hewlett joined the RAF following two years working as a court clerk at Worcester magistrates.

She studied at Bishop Perowne CE High School and Worcester Sixth Form College.

She joined the RAF last year and during her recruit training her performance was consistently praised.

Her flight commander assessed her as "an intelligent, highly ambitious individual with prospects of a bright future".

Following this training, SAC Hewlett began the Personnel Administrator Basic Course.

The award citation said SAC Hewlett demonstrated "a thorough understanding of what was required of her and showed a great deal of enthusiasm and determination to succeed".

"She also found the time to provide

assistance for her peers, helping them to gain a more clear understanding of various subject matters, and once again proving her capacity for additional work," said an RAF spokesman.

She also helped with the RAF Halton Theatre Club pantomime, helping out as a bar steward during her training at the centre.

SAC Hewlett is now stationed at RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, and since her posting she has presented HRH Princess Royal with a bouquet on a royal visit.

In October, she will join an RAF trekking team on the remote Ascension Island, in the south Atlantic Ocean.

"We're very proud of her," said Kath Hewlett, Rachel's mum.

"She really enjoys it and has done well so far. She saw the chance for a good career with travelling and a varied job. It's exciting and challenging for her."