NORTH-EAST motorsport star Paul Swift has the chance to perform in front of a home crowd this weekend.

The 22-year-old son of stunt driver Russ Swift is lying second in the British Trial and Rally Driver Association's Auto-Test championship.

So far, Paul has had to travel to a number of venues around the country to compete - but he will not have to travel far on Sunday, when the series comes to the Middleton Grange shopping centre car park, in Hartlepool.

"There are four meetings left this season and it is going to be hard to beat the current championship leader David Moseley," says Paul, from Darlington.

"Even though I'm only four points behind, I know he is going to have to make a mistake or break down if I am to take the title."

However, he is hoping local fans will turn out in force to cheer him on.

* Help with marshalling is required and anyone who would like to volunteer can telephone (01429) 223949.