Meet The Officer Who's An Award-Winning Administrator At RAF Fylingdales

At RAF Fylingdales, Flying Officer Lucy Playle has a unique job - she is the administrator who ensures the site's ballistic missile early warning service and its staff are properly supported.

The newly-commissioned officer has been recognised for outstanding work, having been awarded the 'Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Silver Award'.

The station provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the British and United States governments.

It also tracks satellites, the international space station and 'space junk' - items which could cause collisions or damage.

It is operated from a pyramid-like structure in the middle of the North York moors.

Having moved from her training at RAF Cranwell, the Officer Commanding of Administrative Support has had a good time so far.

"I really enjoy it, as you can see in the background we've got the radar and it serves a huge purpose in defence.

"Providing the support to those people to want to be able to work in that radar means the world to me."

Supporting 80 RAF Personnel, Fg Off Playle's role is usually reserved for applicants with much more experience.

However, the award-winner has impressed since her arrival.

Squadron Leader Russ Strangwood, Officer Commanding Support Squadron RAF Fylingdales said: "She was sent here as a brand-new, fresh out-of-the-box junior officer into what is normally a third or fourth tourist post.

"She's not disappointed since she's arrived, she's a really good promising junior officer."

In addition to her responsibilities with the likes of welfare, workshops and accounts, Fg Off Playle has decided to take on another project, and an idea of her own - The Fylingdales Astronomy Club.

Flight Lieutenant Rich Weeks, Media and Engagement Officer RAF Fylingdales said: "Because she lives on site, she's recognised that in the evenings there's no light pollution whatsoever.

"So what we can see up here is incredible.

"She's fresh from [RAF] Cranwell, and she's got lots of good ideas and it's great to have her up here."