WISBECH equestrian Mel Stoner is charging to success in the RAF as the captain of their show-jumping and eventing team – and that s just in her spare time. As an air steward with 101 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, she spends her working life

WISBECH equestrian Mel Stoner is charging to success in the RAF as the captain of their show-jumping and eventing team - and that's just in her spare time.

As an air steward with 101 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, she spends her working life jetting to locations around the world, supporting Britain's global military commitments.

"There's no such thing as a typical day," says Mel, whose career has so far taken her to countries as diverse as Oman, Canada and Kenya. "It all depends on where we're flying to, and what sort of passengers and freight we're carrying.

"One day, we could be carrying families to Cyprus, and a few days later we could be flying all around the USA. My job is to keep the passengers safe and happy. It can be a long flight home for soldiers returning from Afghanistan, and something as simple as a cup of tea can be a huge morale boost."

Mel's horse-riding prowess has seen her pick up a shelf-load of trophies and cups. "Whenever I'm off duty I spend time exercising my horse, Rio," she said.

"The RAF makes sure I have the time I need to compete, which is brilliant. Every day at work is different," adds Mel. "It's nothing like a nine-to-five job; nothing comes close.