A teenager's career as a pilot is set to take off after his parents sold their house to send him on a commercial flying course in America.

When Adam Wallis became one of the youngest people in Britain to fly solo his mum and dad, Caroline and Jeff, were so proud that they decided to help him realise his dream of becoming a professional pilot.

They have paid half of his £75,000 fees for an aeronautical degree course in Florida after selling their four-bed detached house in Seaford and moving into a three-bed terrace in Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.

Adam, 18, an A-level student at Varndean College, Brighton, first took to the skies at 14 when his aunt bought him a lesson as a birthday present.

Two years later, under a new European rule, he was able to fly solo. Previously, pilots had to be 17 to go it alone.

Now he is preparing to start his course in aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle University, Daytona Beach.

He said: "My parents have been really supportive but I still have to find the rest of the money.

"The course tutors want me to come out early to train up as an instructor before the course starts in September.

"That way I can earn money as I go along and pay monthly tuition fees but I am also looking at ways of getting sponsorship."