Prince William In New RAF Rescue TV Series

A new TV series has been given rare access to Prince William in his day job as a search and rescue pilot.

Helicopter Rescue is the first programme to show Flight Lieutenant Wales's working life in the RAF.

The BBC Wales production was given exclusive access to crews at RAF Valley on Anglesey where the prince is based and RMB Chivenor in Devon.

In one of the rescues in the programme, the 30-year-old is the Sea King's captain as the crew is called to an old slate quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

A local boy had fallen dangerously off an old railway bridge onto rocks.

William describes his role once the call comes in: "As captain you're trying to play out the entire rescue, the transit to the rescue and back again in your mind, and pick up any circumstances or problems you can foresee, and try and fix them on the ground before you get airborne."

Last year, the two RAF search and rescue bases covering Wales were scrambled 566 times, making them the busiest in Britain, with more than 470 people being rescued.

Reflecting on the pressures of the Search and Rescue Force's work, Flt Lt Wales admits that their role is also a source of immense pride: "There's no greater feeling than when you've actually done some good and saved someone's life.

"I don't think there's any greater calling in life ... to be able to see a son or daughter's face when you bring their mother or father back from the edge of death - it's quite powerful."

The royal's future at RAF Valley is unclear after confirmation this week that the service is being privatised. His current tour of duty is due to end this September.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child is due in July.

The programme will be aired on April 8.