A BOLTON student with ambitions to step into the shoes of 007 has made air force history.

Grace Smith, aged 19, has become the Bolton Air training Corps' first ever female warrant officer.

Her promotion ends a 60 year tradition of always having males in the highest cadet rank post.

But action girl Grace, of Ainsworth Road, Little Lever sees her dedication to the corps as ideal early training for an eventual career in RAF intelligence.

"I just want to be the next James Bond really," joked Grace.

When the Salford University student, currently in the second year of a Geography degree, joined the corps over four years ago with dreams of one day becoming a fighter pilot, she had little idea of how much she would become involved.

Now at least three times a week she can be found at the Nelson Street barracks as well as taking part in various sporting activities and camps and, in her spare time, helping run the St Matthew's, Farnworth Rainbow group.

Through the corps she has taken up gliding, is completing her Duke of Edinburgh gold award, is drum major with the band and has twice been named cadet of the year.

Her enthusiasm and commitment impressed senior staff at the corps so much that she has quickly risen through the ranks.

"I have put in so much work to get this far up I am pleased I am the first to do it," said Grace.

She has found no problems with the 60 cadets, aged 13 plus, accepting her new role in charge.

"I don't think they have had to listen to a female before," said Grace.

"But we have always worked as part of a team."

Although Grace sees her time in the cadets as a way into a future career she believes the Air Training Corps is an ideal way for young people to have fun and impress future employers.

"It is really valuable for people who just want to have a hobby. It looks really good on a CV," said Grace.