BUDDING airline pilot Matthew Atherton is a step nearer his dream after completing 100 hours flying in double quick time.

Matthew, 22, of Rising Bridge Road, Accrington, achieved the feat in only 12 weeks. "One of the instructors told me he doesn't do many more than that himself," he said.

Completing the 100 hours means Matthew can now go on to study for his commercial pilot's licence.

But that will be put on hold because he has another reason to celebrate after being offered a job as an engineer with BAE Systems in Warton.

He graduated from the University of Salford with a 2:1 in physics with space technology in the summer and is very much looking forward to starting his job.

Matthew's ultimate aim is to be an airline pilot but the next step, his commercial pilot's licence, will have to be put on hold until he has earned enough money to pay for it and holiday time to cover his absence from work.

Before he takes control of a commercial flight he will have to spend a further £50,000 in courses and exams. This involves 15 flying hours, an airborne skills test and a cross country of at least 300 nautical miles.

The high-flyer will spend the next two weeks studying for his night rating exam before starting his job on October 14. "We are going to treat him to it for his graduation," said dad Michael.

"I have to take off and land at night, navigate at night, and do a cross country to land at a different airfield at night," added Matthew.

The former pupil at All Saints High School, Rawtenstall, began flying lessons on his 14th birthday, joining the Air Training Corps to further his ambition. He has a private pilot's licence and has flown in an impressive list of planes, including a Hawk jet.