THIRTEEN-year-old Jonathan Hopper from Virginstowe has launched himself into the South West record books by becoming the youngest person to achieve a level one qualification in Rocketry.

Jonathan joined the South West Amateur Rocketry Members group (SWARM) in March after receiving a rocket as a Christmas present from his uncle, and things have really taken off from there.

The level one exam, which is organised through the United Kingdom Rocketry Association, took place a recent gathering of SWARM at Follygate.

Jonathan's home-made rocket reached 2,184 ft and a speed of 372mph when it was launched from Follygate Airfield, and he passed his exam with flying colours.

The teenager is one of the youngest qualifiers in the country and will now go on to take levels two and three. He has also been asked to join a new British junior team which hopes to be up and running to go to the European Rocket Championships next year.