A TEN-YEAR-OLD high-flyer's dreams came true when he was invited to become a pilot for a day after writing a letter to the RAF.

Oliver Farnsworth, a year six pupil at Whalley C of E Primary School, is infatuated with the RAF and dreams of becoming a fully-fledged pilot.

His enthusiasm was recognised after a school letter-writing exercise, during which he chose to question real pilots about a career in the air force.

Oliver's letter was picked from the hundreds of young people who write to the RAF asking about careers. He wrote: "Soaring through the skies, doing the loop-the-loop would be my idea of heaven."

This struck a chord with RAF staff and they decided to give Oliver the once-in-a-lifetime treat.

The youngster journeyed down to RAF flying station Woodvale, in Formby, with his family and headteacher to meet station commander Squadron Leader Simon Collier and flying instructor Flight Lieutenant Helen Bond. And Squadron Leader Collier said that he had been tested by the 18 questions Oliver had jotted down prior to his visit.

Mr Collier said: "I've been very impressed. For a ten-year-old his questions are intelligent and well-informed. Anything is possible if he wants to become a pilot badly enough."

However, the pathway to becoming a pilot is not easy with up to 300 applicants for every position to join the RAF.

Mr Collier said that just 90 pilots qualify per year in the whole of the UK out of thousands who try.

However, Oliver's early dedication is setting him on the right path.

His mum Elaine Smalley, 39, said: "He is very inquisitive and confident. He has always paid a lot of attention to detail and is methodical.

"We would be happy if he was to pursue a career in the RAF."

Brian Beresford, headteacher of Whalley C of E School, said: "This is Jim'll fix it stuff. Oliver's letter was written as part of the curriculum, with his interest in the RAF being an inspiration to him.

"We're delighted his efforts have led to such an exciting opportunity."