AN RAF musician from Wirral has been appointed the force's first female Drum Major.

Sergeant Hilary Rosenthal, who is in the non-commissioned ranks, was appointed to the position of Deputy Drum Major for the band of the RAF Regiment.

Sgt Rosenthal, from Greasby, joined the RAF in November 2004 on French horn, serving with the Central Band until she was posted to the Band of the RAF Regiment in March 2015.

She is the first female musician appointed to the position of Deputy Drum Major within RAF Music since the Women's Royal Air Force Band was disbanded.

Her role will be to assist the Band of the RAF Regiment's Drum Major chief technician Rob Scullion with drill, deportment and discipline both on and off the parade square.

She will also lead the band on parade at selected engagements.

Her first official engagement was to lead the Band of the RAF Regiment and the Queen's Colour Squadron on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Wirral Globe:

Sgt Rosenthal leads the band at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The event attracts over 220,000 audience members throughout August, making it a memorable first month for Sgt Rosenthal in her new role.

She said: "It is a real pleasure to lead the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment at this incredibly high profile engagement in the international spotlight.

"Performing alongside other world class acts from across the globe is the best start I could possibly imagine to my career as a Drum Major.

"With a Sunset Ceremony and several graduation parades in September, I'm very much looking forward to leading the band at these important Service events."

In 1990, the RAF was the first service to recruit women alongside men in regular service bands.

In the same year that will see women recruited for close combat roles, RAF Music is delighted to appoint their first female Drum Major.