CRICKETER Michael Ramsbottom is flying high after achieving his childhood dream.

Although an accomplished player for Radcliffe, the 26-year-old has had his head firmly in the clouds since he was a boy and harboured ambitions to become an airline pilot.

Now the sportsman's wish has come true and he is set to become a First Officer for British Airways after completing his training.

Michael, of Radcliffe New Road, is delighted to finally take to the skies. He said: "It's something I have wanted to do since I was very young. "There are no aviation connections in my family at all so I don't know where I got the idea from but I can't wait to start work."

In fact, Michael is from a strong cricket-influenced family as his father, Phil Ramsbottom, plays for Stand and his uncle, Stuart, also used to play the game at Radcliffe.

During his cricketing career, Michael has broken a few records, scoring the most runs by an Englishman in the Central Lancashire League in one season.

And he had another great knock at the weekend when a superb 85 not out saw Radcliffe to an easy Central Lancs League win over Walsden.

But success of a different kind beckoned and Michael, formerly an air traffic controller, was determined to fulfil his dream.

After being accepted on the training scheme in America, only five out 1,000 applicants are taken on each year, Michael endured 18 months of intensive training.

He said: "I had applied before but was unsuccessful. It is tough to get on the training course. I thought my career was as an air traffic controller but I gave it one last try and got in."

And it was his last chance as the cut-off age for applying for training is 25.

He added: "It was brilliant in America, although hard work. As well as training flights we had to take 12 written exams. Then I had to take a further test in Scotland before I could qualify."

Modest Michael, who came out top of his course of 16 students in the written section, passed his training with flying colours and intends to start his new job, flying 737s around Europe from Gatwick, at the end of September.