Dan's junior hope (From Warrington Guardian)

Dan's junior hope

MIDDLEWICH-based pilot Dan Welch is hoping that his hard work culminates in a national championship appearance.

The 20-year-old is bidding to take part in the British Gliding Association's Junior National Championship in August, but is yet to be confirmed as a competitor.

His mother Ann said: "We're not sure what's happening at the moment as the association have said he is not experienced enough to take part.

"They've put him on the reserve list so we'll just have to wait and see."

She added: "It's such a shame for him because he has worked really hard and put in so much work on the glider itself."

But the Staffordshire Gliding Club member is determined to compete this year and confirmed that if he cannot take part in the national junior championships he will compete in another national event later in the year.

Either competition will mark a remarkable coming of age for the youngster who has quickly risen through the gliding ranks.

He began flying at the age of 13 and reached solo standard after just 20 launches.

Unfortunately, the minimum age to fly solo is 16 and so he had to continue flying accompanied until his 16th birthday.

By August last year he was certified to fly cross country and is about to start training as an instructor.