A YOUNG North-East driver has beaten thousands of entrants to win a chance to race on the country's top tracks.

Alec Berry, a 21-year-old student and IT consultant, from Crook, County Durham, will race against six other regional finalists at a Dunlop Race Academy event at Donington Park on Tuesday, July 26.

Swapping his Seat Leon for a Ginetta G20, he will receive expert tuition from racers including Le Mans driver Calum Lockie.

As well as testing his driving ability, judges will also assess his fitness and media skills.

If he comes in the top three, he will go on to a final at Silverstone in August, with the winner going through to compete against more experienced drivers in the Dunlop Driver's Cup, the final round in the Ginetta Championship.

Mr Berry, a former pupil of Wolsingham School and Community College, said: "This is going to be an absolutely brilliant experience.

"I would obviously like to win but it is great just to get this far. I am looking forward to the training and I cannot wait to get on the track."