A Year 11 pupil has fulfilled his dream by arriving at his prom in his very own racing hovercraft.

Final year Wildern School students attended their lavish prom at the home of Southampton Football Club – St Mary’s Stadium – yesterday evening.

While it is conventional to turn up in a flash car or fancy limo, one student proved to be the exception to the rule.

(Image: Marie Tressler)

Joshua Trussler arrived outside the players entrance of the stadium in his very own single-seater racing hovercraft - and his mum said could very well be the first time it has ever been done.

The 16-year-old began racing hovercrafts at the age of 11 as a hobby, having become fascinated with the amphibious craft six years earlier, aged 5.

His hobby has seen him race across the country – as far away as Sheffield and Accrington – as well as more locally in Fawley.

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(Image: Matt Davey)

“I couldn’t think of doing it any other way,” said Joshua – who arrived outside St Mary’s Stadium to cheers and applause.

“I love it, it’s very dear to my heart and I couldn’t wait to arrive.”

It’s not everyday you see a hovercraft cruising along the road, with Joshua’s family having to obtain special permission from Southampton Football Club in order to be allowed to drive the air-cushioned vehicle to close to a Premier League Football ground.

Joshua’s mum, Marie said: “It’s not been easy, and it took a couple of weeks, but the club were very understanding and have been amazing really.”

Marie was also quick to state just how proud she is of her son, as she added: “We’re very proud of him, it’s been his hobby for such a long time, so to see him arrive like this to him prom was very special.”

It’s fitting that the inventor of the hovercraft – Sir Christopher Cockerell – resided just outside of Southampton, in Hythe, passing away in the town at the age of 88 in 1999.

  • Have you turned up to your prom in an unusual way, or worn an outfit that breaks the mold? Email us at newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk or contact us on Facebook.