ZIPPING through inflatable gates and dodging obstacles in iconic European cities is all part of the job for one of the youngest drone racers in the country.

Adam Blackburn, who has just turned 10, first got involved in the sport when he was seven years old.

Drone racers, who compete as individuals and as teams, wear headsets which live stream video from the drone’s cameras enabling them to race as pilots.

It is a fast-growing sport with a national league and contests held all over the world.

Adam’s dad, Ben, said: “He’s always been obsessed with helicopters since he was a little kid and he used to fly these micro copters around the house. He’s always been fascinated with them.

“I race drones as well and sometimes we race in the same competitions, but he usually beats me. I don’t mind because I’m very proud of him.”

And the Callands Primary School pupil has had the opportunity to travel all over Europe with his team, Nexxblades. He recently competed in Brussels, Lichtenstein and Ireland and is now preparing for a race in the Salina Turda salt mines in Romania.

Dad-of-three Ben, who also organises drone races across the UK, said: “Adam’s quite well known on the scene now, he gets a lot of attention because he’s small and he’s fast.

“He’s made a lot of friends doing it and he’s been racing with the same team for the last few years.

“He’s a bit shy and he likes to keep it all secret at school, he doesn’t like to show off or anything. But his school has been really supportive of him”

Adam trains on computer simulators in his spare time but when he’s racing he can weave through a course at speeds of around 100 mph.

Ben, 41, said the carbon fibre drones crash all the time during contests and can cost around £500 each.

But Adam, who has a shelf full of trophies and medals to show for his racing skills, is sponsored by manufacturers who help him pay for his equipment.

And the youngster is now set to compete in the European championships after scoring second place out of 45 pilots at the Irish Drone Nationals.

Britain’s drone racing league has become so popular that it is now televised on Sky Sports. Adam’s team are also currently top of the Drone Champions League, with races live streamed online.