A YOUNG motorcyclist is gearing up to take part in two competitions.

Jake Hopper, who is nine and from Belmont, Durham, is competing in the National Mini-Bike Road Racing Championship next Sunday.

It is in Whilton Hill, Northamptonshire, and he will be riding his Polini GP6, which has 40cc and 4.2 horsepower.

The Belmont Junior School pupil is also taking part in the Scottish Mini Moto Championships in April.

Jake, who has been riding since the age of six with the Durham Constabulary group, Bikewise, said: “I enjoy everything about it, especially the speed and excitement. You can reach speeds of up to 50mph. I like the fact that you just have to keep trying.”

Jake is sponsored by NRH Engineering in York, but his family is looking for more commercial backing to keep him racing.

To support Jake call his father, Andrew, on 0776-307-8897 or email ahopper777@gmail.com