A young man has his sights set on becoming a pilot when he leaves Stoke Newington School this summer, after passing his flying exams with flying colours.

George Wakefield, 18, took his first solo flight two years ago at Southend Airport.

This week he received his licence from Gatwick Airport after passing nine Civil Aviation Authority exams.

His proud dad Carl said: “His cousin was taken out in a small plane as a birthday treat but he hated it. I asked George if he’d like to do it, he said he’s think about it, and as soon as he came down from the flight and he said “Dad I loved it”. It took off from there.

“When you get to that age you aren’t usually sure what you’re going to do. Every young boy wants to be a professional footballer but in reality that’s not going to happen. Since he’s got into this I’m happy it’s put him in the right direction to do what he wants to do.”

George is set to join a commercial pilot school on a two-year course to qualify as a commercial pilot.

“Getting his private pilot’s licence at Southend International Airport is like learning to swim in the deep end, mixing in with Easyjets and private jets so hopefully he’s already halfway there,” added Carl.