An Enfield-based flying fanatic has been awarded a bursary to help him develop his skills as a glider pilot.

Andrew Monk, 20, was given the £500 President’s Scholar bursary by the Royal Aero Club Trust.

The bursary is part of the Trust’s Flying for Youth programme which hands out bursaries each year to UK residents aged between 16 and 21.

Mr Monk will use the money to pay for flying time as he works towards he silver gliding badge.

He said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to receive this prestigious bursary.

“The award will support my flying ambition and help develop my skills as a glider pilot. I can’t wait to get started on working towards achieving my flying goal.”

The scheme and the bursaries cover a variety of air sports and aviation-related activities including: paragliding, gliding, hang-gliding, parachuting, microlight aircraft, helicopter, fixed wing aircraft and the designing, building and flying of model aeroplanes.

David Bills, bursary administrator, said: “2012 has seen the Royal Aero Club Trust award more bursaries than ever before which shows a great commitment to develop from the youth participants in UK air sports.

“In this Olympic year it is so encouraging to see the next generation of supporters entering into, and developing as part of, the flying community.

“Every year we take great pride in following their progress and achievements closely and we wish them the very best success.”