She can't even drive a car legally, but Holly Rowley-White celebrated her 16th birthday soaring above Beccles at 1,000ft on her first solo flight.

Holly has been having flying lessons from the Virage team at Beccles Airfield for the past 18 months and has patiently waited to turn 16 for the milestone opportunity to fly alone.

She is a sergeant with the 759 (Beccles) Squadron RAF Air Cadets and has always dreamed of flying.

Her father Stuart, who was watching below, said it was initially "petrifying" but said it was a "very proud dad moment" as she flew the Cessna 150 all by herself.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Ms Rowley-White, pictured touching down in the Cessna 150Ms Rowley-White, pictured touching down in the Cessna 150 (Image: Stuart Rowley)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beaming smiles as Holly turned 16 on New Year's DayBeaming smiles as Holly turned 16 on New Year's Day (Image: Stuart Rowley)

He said: "I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it a petrifying watch, we all went down to watch on New Year's Day, and the weather wasn't brilliant so we didn't know if it would happen.

"We watched as she did a few runs with her instructor when suddenly the plane landed and he got out and wandered over towards us and Holly took off alone.

"It was just amazing to see and a very proud moment for us all, we are so pleased for Holly and incredibly grateful to the team at the airfield for their amazing work and support."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Holly pictured in the aircraft on her own for the very first time on her 16th birthdayHolly pictured in the aircraft on her own for the very first time on her 16th birthday (Image: Stuart Rowley)The teenager has ambitions to fly around the world and has plotted a route to do so.

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She wants to complete this mission by the time she is 18 and become the youngest female pilot to do so, knocking Zara Rutherford off her perch.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: L-R: Flying instructor Paul Young, father Stuart Rowley, Holly Rowley-White, sister Lilly Rowley-White, mother Debbi White and second flying instructor John ClarkeL-R: Flying instructor Paul Young, father Stuart Rowley, Holly Rowley-White, sister Lilly Rowley-White, mother Debbi White and second flying instructor John Clarke (Image: Club Virage)

Her father said so far she seems to go on and achieve whatever "she puts her mind to".

He said: "I wouldn't put it past Holly to achieve this, when she puts her mind to something it tends to happen.

"I want her to do it but I'd be lying if I said I am not a little nervous since she still cannot even drive a car.

"But goodness flying is an amazing feeling, so good for her, and I will not stand in her way."