A gliding instructor who has pioneered a successful scholarship scheme with students at Abbey College in Ramsey has been recognised for his work.

Peter Valentine, of Nene Valley Gliding Club, based in Upwood, received a diploma for services to gliding from the British Gliding Association.

The diploma recognises Peter and the club’s unique scholarship scheme, whereby children as young as 14 are offered the chance to learn the art of gliding free of charge.

Run in consultation with Ramsey Abbey, the scheme is championed by both Peter and Michael Muir, chairman of the club, and has been a great success.

Mr Valentine said: “It is a fantastic reflection on everyone in the club who have all helped so well to make our young pilots successful and we can all be proud of these achievements.”

The organisation was also recently visited by representatives from the Cambridge Gliding Club, located in Gransden, who were on a fact-finding mission to try to discover the club’s secret to its successful young pilot schemes.