A Clacton teenager is making a fast move up the ranks of his sport - thanks to sponsorship gained through the Evening Gazette

Dan Hunter, 17, a student at Colchester Sixth Form College, has set his sights on becoming a top motorbike road racer.

Last year, he was competing in 125cc races but has now stepped up to national 250cc events. His rise has been achieved thanks to a Kirby Cross firm stepping in to offer support after reading of his exploits in the Gazette.

Steve Swettenham, of Elegance Vehicle Consultants, bought the bigger bike for this season and put £1,000 into Dan's account to help cover some expenses.

The teenager has made an impressive start and is 12th overall in the championship.

His father, Kevin, said his success would not have been possible without the support: "Thanks to the Gazette, Steve came on board and Keith Abery, of Justaprilia, on the Hill Farm industrial estate, Boxted, has done all the work on the bike."

"We couldn't have made this huge step up without their help."

Anyone interested in joining Dan's sponsorship team should contact Steve Swettenham on 01255 679487 or Kevin Hunter on 01206 860884

Published Monday, April 8, 2002