A NINE-YEAR-OLD tipped as a Formula One star of the future has won two major championships in his first season.

Ryan Tebbs, from Eastgate Farm, Longnewton, will collect the trophies for the Warden Law Kart Club and the South Yorkshire Kart Club championships next week.

His remarkable success has come despite weighing four stones dripping wet and having his kart loaded with as much again in lead to comply with the minimum limit.

Also, he did not compete in every race, winning both titles on less rounds than anyone else.

Overall, Ryan has won 15 individual races this season and has been asked to represent the North East on a BBC television programme.

He will compete in the Stars of Tomorrow race in the MSA British championships on Sky television on February 23.

The youngster has already attracted three local sponsors, who recognise his future potential.