A GULF War hero from Bolton has capped a meteoric military career with a CBE in the New Year Honours list.

David Waddington was a 24-year-old flight lieutenant and the RAF's youngest Tornado pilot when he was shot down, captured and tortured by Saddam Hussein's thugs in January, 1991.

Freed two months later, Mr Waddington was determined to continue flying and went on to continue a distinguished 30-year career with the RAF, only leaving the service in August last year, having attained the rank of Air Commodore.

"The CBE is a great end to my career," said Mr Waddington.

"All I ever wanted to do when I was young was to fly fast jets and the RAF gave me that."

Over the years he also rose through the military ranks, becoming a Tornado squadron commander, station commander at RAF Cranwell, Tornado Force Commander and Air Commodore responsible for the introduction of the new F-35B Lightning.

In 2012 he also undertook a seven-month tour of duty as commanding officer at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Although used to keeping top secrets, the Air Commodore could not keep news of his impending honour quiet from his mum, Berenice and told her the news when his family visited his Lincolnshire home at Christmas.

"The only person he told was my mum, whom he swore to secrecy," said Mr Waddington's eldest brother, John Waddington.

"She never said anything and was bursting to tell everyone."

The 49-year-old RAF veteran, the youngest of Berenice's four children, broke the news to siblings John, who lives in Daisy Hill, Gerard, from Horwich and sister Anne in Florida in phone calls on New Year's Eve.

Manchester United fan John said: 'He said "Have you heard the news?" and I jokingly said "Has LVG been sacked?"'

He added: "We are immensely proud of him. We are over the moon about his CBE — he is well pleased and it is well deserved."

Bolton born Mr Waddington attended St Thomas of Canterbury School and later St Cuthbert's Secondary before A-levels at Bolton College and joining the RAF aged 18.

On his return from captivity in Iraq he was given a hero's homecoming, with neighbours putting out the bunting when he visited his parents Heaton home a few days later.

Mr Waddington continued with his RAF career, married his girlfriend Claire and the couple went on to have two children.

Upon leaving the RAF in August last year he put his vast expertise to good use, setting up Perspective Consulting Services.

"It is an exciting time as well as getting to deal with a new set of people," said Mr Waddington, who, although still close to his RAF colleagues, admits there are some aspects of civilian life he is getting used to.

"I do miss the ability to just jump in an aircraft and fly when I want," he said.

Although currently concentrating on setting up his business, he hopes to become involved in helping train young air cadets to fly.

"It will be a bit of fun for them and me," he said.

During his captivity it was thoughts of family and friends which kept Mr Waddington going and he has remained very close to them.

"When we get together we all take the mickey out of each other. We enjoy taking him down a peg or two so his feet are on the ground," joked brother John.

The family are now looking forward to celebrating with Mr Waddington following his investiture on a date to be decided later this year.

"It will be a really exciting day," said the air commodore.