It was some birthday present.

A schoolboy from Ringwood who is yet to take his GCSEs could have become the youngest person in the world to make a solo flight.

James Coyne-Downhill, of Ringwood, successfully completed the flight in a Piper A28 light aircraft at Bournemouth Flying Club on his 16th birthday yesterday.

Despite fears that bad weather would prevent James from taking to the air, the year 11 Ringwood School pupil enjoyed perfect conditions during his 10-minute flight.

Afterwards, beaming James, who wants to be a commercial pilot, told the Echo: “I feel honoured. It was a real achievement. You just experience a total sense of freedom. No words can explain the feeling.”

James was just 14 years old when he took his first flying lesson.

Dad Geoffrey, 44, said: “James has always had an interest in mechanical things and is a member of the Air Cadets. He missed out on a couple of flight days with them and because he missed out we came down here for a taster session.

“We loved it so much we decided to learn to fly together. I went solo a couple of months ago but James is better than me.”

Mum Bridgette, 52, said they had been keeping their fingers crossed for good weather.

“You are in the lap of the gods with flying. We came down yesterday and he wasn’t able to have a flying lesson,” she said.

James’ flying instructor Simon Malfin said he was “probably the youngest solo pilot in the world”.

He said: “I was worried about the weather yesterday but today it’s been perfect because there’s nil wind and good visibility.

“I’ve trained about five schoolboys before. They tend to pick it up more quickly than adults. But that’s the Xbox generation – their hand-eye co-ordination is better.

“James is very professional and very cautious which is what you’re looking for.”

“Don’t tell his dad but James is better,” he joked.