A TEENAGE balloonist from Thornbury has become the youngest person to hold a pilot’s licence in the country.

Tom Gouder, 17, is currently the youngest person in Britain to be holding a Private Pilot’s Licence for Ballooning.

"This is a really big achievement for me and I am really pleased that I have got it," said the former Castle School pupil.

Tom, who has had an interest in flying balloons since the age of nine, is already making plans for a successful career in ballooning.

He said: "I’ve always been interested in aviation, then when I was nine we went to a balloon fiesta and I could see all these magnificent, special shapes and I really liked them and decided that is what I wanted to do.

"I really want to go professional, I want to make a career out of this and I am already looking at options of flying in Canada."

To achieve this dream all Tom has to do now is to upgrade his licence to a commercial balloon licence, but in the meantime he is helping to crew other local balloonists.

Tom is gearing himself up for his second appearance at the International Balloon Fiesta, to be held this weekend in Bristol.

Tom has entered his own balloon to take part in the famous night glow on Thursday.

"I’m just keeping my fingers crossed for good weather, but you know what British weather can be like," he said.

This year's is the 30th International Balloon Fiesta to be held at Ashton Court, Bristol.

There will be two night glows, the first on Thursday (9.30pm) and the second on Saturday (9.30pm).

There will also be balloon launches throughout the weekend at 6am and 6pm everyday through to Sunday, subject to weather.

For more information about the International Balloon Fiesta visit www.bristolfiesta.co.uk.