AN accountant swapped her computer for a cockpit yesterday after her firm won a prize of a ride in a jet formerly used by the Red Arrows.

Prue Mitchell, 50, from Poole, was nominated for a thrilling fast-taxi ride in a Folland Gnat jet, of the type used by the famous aerobatic team in its early days, at Bournemouth Airport.

The senior tax manager at accountants Saffrey Champness was chosen after the firm won the prize in a draw at last year’s Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons’ evening.

She donned a flight suit at DS Aviation at Bournemouth Airport for a Tuesday morning with a difference.

Prue said: “The partner that was supposed to be coming had a meeting that he couldn’t miss, so it was offered to the senior managers and I was the lucky one wanting to go.

“I’ve never done anything like this before; I thought it would be something different and exciting.”

After being strapped into the cockpit, Prue was taken for a full-power taxi ride up the runway in the 48-year-old jet by Royal Navy pilot Cmdr Neil Bing.

After safely returning to the hangar, Prue said: “It was great, it was very exciting and when we accelerated at one point it gave me a real buzz.

“It was a great experience.

“It was well worth it, I’ve never done anything like it before and it makes me want to actually take off next time.”

To join the Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons Scheme and benefit from exclusive monthly networking events, visit bournemouthair.co.uk or e-mail amy.habgood@ bournemouth.gov.uk.