Girlfriend of the Year

Would-be rescue helicopter pilot Lucy-Anne Brickley is New Zealand's Girlfriend of the Year.

The Wanganui 18-year-old won Girlfriend magazine's competition, beating the other five finalists from around New Zealand for the $3000 prize.

"I was looking online at competitions to enter, and saw this one."

The money is another step closer to the massive $104,000 she needs towards her helicopter pilot licence, and that's just for the 200 hours' flying time required.

There are exams, licences and medicals to pay for during the four years it will take to become licensed.

Yesterday she was out for an hour's flying time with pilot Ian Wakeling from the Wanganui Aero Club, enjoying a bird's-eye view of Mts Taranaki and Ruapehu in the east.

"I want to be a rescue pilot. It's my dream." And when she's qualified, Miss Brickley thinks she may have to go to Australia for more experience in her dream job.

For two and a half years she worked as a New World checkout operator after school, and saved $2000 which went toward her $522 an hour flying lessons.

She is still at the supermarket and was this week given a permanent spot on the staff working 36 hours a week.

Miss Brickley won the competition through online votes by friends, family and the public.