A HARD-WORKING military professional has won an accolade at the Women in Defence Awards.

Grace Feetham, a 27-year-old flight lieutenant hailing from Oxspring won the emerging talent award at the ceremony.

The awards recently celebrated their tenth anniversary highlighting the impact of outstanding women in the industry.

The RAF officer specialises in counter-drones to provide support to the UK military when they conduct operations at home and overseas.

She said: “Community is the foundation of everything, especially being in the military and constantly living away from home - moving around every few years.

“The north is somewhere I’m incredibly proud to be from and make every effort to come home as much as I can.

“It is such an honour to have won for the RAF, it was very unexpected and I’m incredibly grateful to my boss for nominating me.

“The RAF has afforded me so many amazing opportunities.

“Women in Defence is a fantastic organisation, and the awards celebrated so many exceptional women across the defence sector - it was a privilege to be amongst equally inspiring women.

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, said: “These winners and finalists represent the best of UK defence - and their extraordinary achievements will inspire countless others to enter defence and succeed.

“Our government is backing women at every level.

“I pay tribute to the team behind the Women in Defence Awards and will build on their crucial work.

“Because when talent can thrive, our entire Armed Forces become stronger and more effective.”