Getting a pilot licence these days is not the easiest of tasks especially when you want to travel to America to do it!

But it was just what student Anas Patel set out to do to realise a life-long dream.

Anas left school and went on to do a BTEC National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Blackburn College. He is now in his second year of studies of his degree in Aviation studies at Leeds University.

When I left school my grades were not brilliant but I had my mind set on becoming a pilot. But I decided to work hard and not give up.

In his quest to get a pilot licence Anas travelled to Atlanta and then on to Florida.

In would have taken me longer to get a licence in the UK but in America if you pass the tests it takes only three weeks.

I was expecting a lot of problems due to being Muslim.

Going to America I was questioned twice and on the way back they didnt even let me get on the plane.

After two hours of interegation they had to phone people in the UK to verify who I was and the course I was completing.

Anas, 21 missed his plane back to the UK but is glad he is now qualified to fly as a private pilot.

I would urge all students who ever think of giving up to stick to it. Just follow your dreams and if you work hard they will come true.

Nisar Patel, ESOL Lecturer and Community Liason Officer at Blackburn College said, He came to college with ordianry grades and whilst here he had some domestic problems which afftected his studies.

I met up with hm on a regular basis and it was good to see he remained focused.

Nisar added, Even I sometimes felt it was hard goal to achieve but he was determined to be a pilot.

Im proud hes well on his way to achieving his goal and he is a credit to himself and his family.