A POLITICIAN has left behind life on civvy street to test his mettle in a series of gruelling challenges.

Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar, whose constituency includes Ruthin, was put through his paces when he visited the Robson Resilience RAF training centre near Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons, last week.

Mr Millar, who is chair of the Assembly cross party group on the armed forces and cadets, took part in some adventure training activities, including the high ropes course and forest survival skills when he visited the centre which all RAF recruits are sent to as part of their basic training.

Mr Millar said: “Whilst some of the training activities I took part in during my visit to the centre were quite gruelling, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“The training activities gave me a real insight into what our RAF recruits have to go through – I take my hat off to them all.

As well as taking part in the daring activities, Darren also met with senior officers to learn more about the centre and chatted with new recruits during his visit.

Mr Millar added: “It was also good to chat with senior officers to learn more about the centre. I was amazed to hear more about the wide range of activities and courses provided and to speak to some of the recruits themselves about how they benefit from what they learn.

“I would very much like to thank the RAF for inviting me to visit the centre and for being so helpful throughout my time there.”