A FORMER Archway School pupil is flying high after joining the RAF's elite aerobatics team the Red Arrows.

Rachel Huxford has joined the world renowned display team, famed for its adrenalin pumping airshows, as a public relations officer.

The 29-year-old, who was raised in Stroud, became involved in the world of aerobatics when she got a summer job as a wingwalker while studying at Durham University.

As part of the Cirencester based Cadbury's Crunchie Flying Circus, now known as the Utterly Butterlys, the young student became interested in public relations while working for the team.

The experience, and her qualifications, enabled her to get a job with the RAF in 2001, and just a year later her career really took off when she landed a post with the Red Arrows.

Speaking about her appointment, Rachel said she had initially found the move quite daunting - but that the team had made her feel welcome.

"The job is quite different with the military than with a civilian organisation, but actually I prefer it," she said.

"The Red Arrows are hard working, professional and very committed. If you want to do something we make it happen."

"I feel so lucky to have such a rewarding and professional job."

The Red Arrows are commonly seen as a male-dominated institution, but Rachel refutes this as a popular misconception.

In the past it was impossible for women to complete the tour of duty required to become a Red Arrows pilot, but times have changed and Rachel is confident that women will soon be flying with the team.

For the immediate future she is preparing to travel with the team to Athens in September.

Although she has travelled to more countries than most people can dream of, Rachel still has a soft spot for Red Arrows events in the UK.

"It's nice to come home!" she said.

While the Red Arrows are famous for their appearances at major airshows around the world, few people realise it is possible to request a flypast for local events.

According to Rachel, the team will always endeavour to fulfil requests where practical, though they will not appear at personal events such as weddings or funerals.

For more details on the Red Arrows, visit: www.raf.mod.uk/reds