A GREENOCK-born RAF officer says playing a major role in the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London was the biggest honour of his career.

Squadron leader Doctor Patrick Branchfield, originally from Braeside, was asked to attend the ceremony as the Royal Air Force's medical representative.

He was on standby in case a medical incident occurred during proceedings, making sure that Royals, senior politicians and faith leaders from around the UK were safe as they paid their respects to those who have lost their lives serving in the armed forces.

Patrick, a former pupil of St Gabriel's Primary and then St Columba's High School in Gourock, worked at various Glasgow hospitals after graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1998 before becoming a general practitioner.

After a year practicing locally at Greenock Health Centre, he moved on to Whiteinch in Partick where he spent 10 years at a surgery before deciding to make the switch to the RAF six years ago.

Patrick says he went into the armed forces because he'd grown tired of doing the same job week on week.

He said: "I was nearly 40 and tired of the same old job.

"I needed to do something different and the Air Force gave me a opportunity to do that.

"I also wanted to travel - and there are plenty of chances to do that in the RAF."

Patrick was initially based at the UK's largest RAF station, Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, before being promoted to senior medical officer at RAF Northolt in London in January.

Shortly after his arrival, he was involved in the Covid-19 vaccination effort in central London as part of military assistance to civilian authorities.

After many years of service to the Air Force and to the medical profession, Patrick was proud to be chosen to help in the Remembrance Sunday proceedings.

Each year a medical representative from each of the armed services attends the ceremony and Patrick's senior role at one of the UK's top bases meant he was an excellent fit for the role.

He said: "It was great to take part.

"Being chosen was the biggest honour of my career so far."