A high-flying artist from Braintree has been commended by Royalty for his latest painting commissioned by the Royal Air Force.

Chris French, 56, brought aviation’s past and present together in an oil painting to commemorate 100 years since 18 Squadron, which is now based at RAF Odiham, Hampshire, was started during the First World War.

His untitled masterpiece was unveiled by the Queen’s cousin, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester during a family day at the base and it now hangs in pride of place in the officers’ mess.

The father-of-one, of Cressing Road, said: "I am proud of it and would definitely like to do another."

See this week's Braintree Times for the full story.