A COTSWOLD man has become the youngest microlight flying instructor in the UK.

Tom Hay, 22, from Bourton-on-the-Water successfully passed his microlight flying instructor test age 21. He now works at Kemble Flying Club at Cotswold Airport.

The record was confirmed by the British Microlight Aircraft Association who said Tom was the youngest teacher they had in their books.

"It's an unbelievable achievement really," said Tom. "It's quite shocking too."

The former Cotswold School student has been flying since the age of 14, inheriting his love of planes from his dad. He obtained his flying license at the age of 17, working every hour he could at a tearoom in his home village to try and pay for the cost.

After completing his A-Levels he joined Kemble Flying Club as an apprentice where he was taught the how to become a flying instructor. He has now been working at the club for two years.

"I love flying and I adore my job. This is the main thing I've always wanted to do," added Tom. "There's such a diverse range of things to do. Some days I do office work, some days flying and some days maintenance."