A MICROLIGHT pilot became a high flying success at the European Championships in France.

Graham Hodgson still has his head in the clouds after returning from Levroux in central France where he flew against 19 of the world's top-ranking pilots.

The 33-year-old, who is ranked number two in Britain, came sixth in his class.

But the gruelling week-long contest did not go without a hitch.

Mr Hodgson, of Frank Street, Halliwell, had numerous mechanical problems with his machine and had to borrow a 508 Chaser from a team mate.

And two of the days were cancelled due to bad weather.

But Mr Hodgson overcame the obstacles to give Great Britain's team three places in the top six, together with Robert Keene who won gold and Richard Rawes who received the bronze award.

Mr Hodgson said: "I have had a very busy year of competition flying and my efforts in the European Championships saw me achieve a personal best."

Mr Hodgson finished second in the British Championship and second in the Round Britain Rally in July. His rise to the top in microlight flying has been ongoing for 12 years after he gained his private pilot's licence to fly microlights in 1988.

Graham started the sport as a break from his day job as a self-employed printer.

He travels to flight centres all over the country including Barton, Preston and Huddersfield as often as he can.

And in September he is due to marry his sweetheart Sarah Stewart. He said: "I met her through the sport I love. Her father learnt to fly just after I did at the same school near Preston."