However, for schoolboy Justin Lamb, his 16th birthday would take him to cloud nine with his first solo flight in a glider.

For Justin, flying through the clear springtime sky at Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club, near Crowland, was a dream come true, and a birthday he will never forget.

He said: "Most people who are my age don't seem to have many hobbies, so I suppose I am a little different because I love flying.

"I think everyone in my class is quite impressed that I am now able to fly alone."

To be able to fly solo Justin was vetted by a gliding instructor, who decided he was ready in time for his birthday.

Justin, of Chestnut Way, Market Deeping, said: "I have been learning to glide for more than a year now, and have always been really interested in flying.

"It feels so free being up in the sky, and, on the day, I really wasn't nervous at all, because I have put so much training into it. Even the landing wasn't too scary."

Justin was first introduced to gliding by his father, also a flying enthusiast.

He said: "I definitely take after my dad when it comes to my love of flying.

"After a few goes in the glider, I was hooked, and they offered me a cadetship, which meant they would teach me to fly the glider if I helped out at the gliding club every weekend."

Cadet mentor Gerry Pybus said: "What a marvellous achievement for Justin. It really is tremendous to see his hard work and training paying off. Many of the youngsters who get trained at the Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club go on to great careers as fighter pilots or aircraftsmen."

Justin is currently taking his GCSEs at The deepings school, in Park Road, deeping St james.

Onece he has completed his exams, Justin is planning to take A-levels in geography, psychology, business studies and graphics.

He said: "I used to really want to be a pilot of some kind, but now I think I would rather just fly as a hobby and hopefully move on to bigger aircraft eventually."