Merlin helicopter pilots based at RNAS Culdrose, Helston, have earned their "wings" after completing 12 months of training with the Royal Navy's newest helicopter.

The three pilots, along with two observers and three aircrew from 824 naval air squadron, will now move on to one of the front-line squadrons for operations at sea.

The "wings" were presented to the aircrew at the air station by Commodore Jerry Stanford, assistant chief of staff, who told them: "You are joining the privileged few who are able to fly in one of the most advanced pieces of defence technology - well done."