TEENAGE brothers have been hailed as the best in the north of England after winning high rankings in The International Scooter Association World Championships.

Luke and Nathan Churchill, aged 19 and 15, were the only scooter riders from northern England to qualify for the Barcelona games after high placings in UK and European championships and came 15th and 20th in the world games.

The brothers, from South Bank, near Middlesbrough, have no sponsorship and, unlike many competitors based in the south, have nowhere to train with a soft floor.

The World Championships, held last week, was televised and the leading 50 competitors from around the world, including the USA, Australia and New Zealand, competed.

"They've broken so many bones," said their father, Neil Churchill. "Luke broke his leg in both places and they've broken fingers, shoulders, you name it. Of course they have the best protective clothing, but your heart is your mouth watching them sometimes. They're doing 30ft somersaults."

Mr Churchill explained that Luke, who has a diploma in electrical engineering, started being interested in the sport aged 13 and became so committed to the sport his parents bought him a professional standard scooter worth £600. Nathan then followed in his big brother's footsteps.

The pair train at R-Kade on Redcar's Majuba Road and they teach the sport to younger children. R-Kade often hold fundraising events to help the brothers compete at various events and often let them train for free. "They have been fantastic," said Mr Churchill.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the pair can call R-Kade on 01642 483520