ARRIVING to the prom in style was taken to a whole new level by one Hampshire schoolgirl as she swapped wheels for waves.

Determined to make a splash, Keris Stoneman-Chalk arrived a-top a 48ft powerboat to her school prom at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton.

The 16-year-old Wildern School pupil had a helping hand in securing her dream ride as her older brother happened to be racing driver Dean Stoneman.

It was his handcrafted 12,000 horsepower boat on which she arrived and Dean was at the wheel of the low ladder vehicle used to transport it from the family home in Bishop's Waltham.

Dean, a former Formula 2 champion, had jetted back in from the United States where he has been competing in the Indy Lights series with the Andretti Autosport team.

Daily Echo:

Keris Stoneman-Chalk and boyfriend Rhys back on dry land

Taking time out of his schedule, Dean, a former powerboat driver, made the hop back across the pond to make his sister's dream come true.

He said: "They were supposed to be going in a car but apparently there was a change of plan and so they rang me and asked if she could go on the boat. Apart from having to clean the thing, I was happy to help.

It meant me coming back though as I am the only one who can drive it anywhere.

"It was great though and although there was a bit of rain it held off for Keris added: "It was really great. It was certainly a bit different and I didn't know how anyone was going to react but it was great. People were making comments about it all night."

The only problem after getting on the boat was getting off it, but a carefully practised move onto Dean's shoulders ensured Keris was delivered to the door in style on the arm of her boyfriend Rhys Smith.

After his unscheduled stop Dean, who is actually selling the boat called The Last One, is heading back to the US where he has already enjoyed success on the circuit with a win last month. He said: "It is all going really well, I am really enjoying it."