MOTOR mad nine-year-old Jack Gribbins will make the step up with the big boys after a stunning debut motocross season at 65cc level.

The Rishton Methodist pupil won four meetings and finished in the top three in the other events held all over the North West.

The Newton-le-Willows Motocross Club member - who got involved with the sport through his dad, John, who competed at amateur level - was leading the Junior 65cc Championship after seven rounds.

However, he then chose to test his luck at the higher level - the 85cc - where he was racing older riders of up to 13-years-old over two final races.

But he belied his age to still finish in the top ten both times.

It did mean, though, he missed the last two rounds of the 65cc event and so he ended up finishing third in that championship.

Jack will now have at least three years in the 85cc group so will be working hard to ride in the British Youth Motocross nationals in two years time.

Jack’s brother Mitchell, eight, has also started riding this year and has achieved three top ten positions and was 11th in the Junior 65cc Championships - he also has three years to ride in this group.

The family could like to thanks sponsors Graham and Moira Walsh of GMW precision polishing Clayton-le-Moors for their support.

"Both Jack and Mitchell love riding motocross and always try really hard, they both appreciate their dad for his time and effort," said mum Paula who travels around the North West supporting her sons with her husband.