PARAMEDIC John Pawelec refused to let his lifelong fear of heights jeopardise his ambition of learning to fly.

The 50-year-old had always assumed his phobia would prevent him realising his dream of taking to the skies.

But after a chance visit to Rufforth Flying Club, in North Yorkshire, five years ago, Mr Pawelec became even more determined.

And now he not only has his pilot's licence, but a host of other flying qualifications, and is working towards securing more.

As well as teaching at the Ambulance Training School in Huby, near York, he has also been seconded to train ambulance staff throughout the North.

Mr Pawelec said: "I had never been in any type of aircraft until I was 45 because of my fear of heights, which I had then and still have now.

"On my first flight, I did not even know if I would be able to open my eyes, but I absolutely loved it and had no sense of fear, I don't know why."

Mr Pawelec, who joined the Ambulance Service in 1979, first learned to fly a two-seater motor glider, then a microlight. Last year, he qualified to fly four-seater aircraft.

He is working towards qualifications which will enable him to fly aircraft with a retractable undercarriage, which travel at greater speeds, as well as securing licences to fly at night and in almost any weather condition.

The father-of-four said: "I get such a buzz from flying. I think it is the sense of freedom and being able to get away from everything. Ultimately, I would like to fly twin-engined planes."