SAM Pile might be able to fly his parents over to France for lunch, but he still needs people to drive him round.

The Rochford teenager is possibly Britain's youngest pilot at just 17, but he is still a long way from getting his driving licence.

He said: "My cousin can drive me to the airport and then I can fly him everywhere. It's quite strange."

You can only start flying at 14, do solo flights at 16, and qualify for an official pilot's licence at 17. Sam got his private pilot licence shortly after turning 17 on April 8, and believes he could be the country's youngest pilot.

He said: "When I first did a couple of taster sessions, I really enjoyed it. I can't really describe it. It's a very good feeling. It's a great experience. I can fly family and friends to Holland or France.

"I flew my parents to France for lunch. We went to the beach and ate there."

Sam, of Dalys Road, was so keen to fly he did his first solo flight on his 16th birthday. He is now also learning how to drive, but finds it more difficult than flying.

He said: "Navigating a plane is a bit more difficult than a car, but the actual flying is easier."