A TEENAGER has taken his first solo flight after being selected to take part in a pilot scheme.

James Kirton, 19, from Gilesgate, Durham, has been taking part in the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, which includes 12 hours of free flying training over two weeks.

He said: “The feeling of flying an aircraft by yourself is truly unexplainable, but I know I would never have got here without the Air Training Corps.

“I would recommend any young person seriously interested in learning about flying to join the Air Cadets.”

James has been an active member of the 234 (City of Durham) Squadron since 2010.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Scott, his Squadron Commander, said: “The course will stand him in good stead for his future career aspirations of working in the aviation industry.”