A MELKSHAM 12-year-old is setting the mini-moto world alight with his success in international karting races.

Melksham Oak Community School pupil Ryan Hitchcock is enjoying excellent success since starting the sport in 2014.

He is now set to race in the prestigious Moto 3 races next year on world-famous race tracks such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

Remarkably, he has had no help or coaching from other riders and his success is all his own hard work and determination.

In his first year with FAB Racing four years ago aged eight he finished in fifth place.

Then he finished an amazing second place in the Mini GP at Silverstone Moto GP three years ago.

Ryan, of Philip Close, practises at M4 karting and Swindon Karting and Kinsham Raceway near Presteigne in Wales.

Melksham Oak Community School principal Alan Henderson said: “Ryan is having a fabulous career in the sport of motor racing.

"We are all cheering him on as he looks to race on some world-famous race tracks in the coming season.”