EIGHT teenagers from Redcar are hoping to make it to the finish line at one of the world's most gruelling motoring challenges this weekend.

The lads, aged between 16 and 18, are taking part in the 24-hour Le Mans karting event, which starts at noon tomorrow in France.

They will compete against karting champions from all over the world but - as the youngest team there - don't expect to win.

Team captain Scott Elliott said: "We want to do our best and will certainly try our hardest. We're good but we are going to be up against some really stiff competition.

"This is a really exciting project to be involved in and we are glad we have had the opportunity, although we are all a little nervous at the thought of competing against some of the best kart drivers in the world."

The team, chosen by the West Redcar Youth Inclusion Project, has been training at Teesside Karting in South Bank and will take it in turns to drive throughout the race.

Bob Pope, of Teesside Karting, said: "All of the young people involved have had problems of some sort. We thought it would a good idea for them to experience something so different. They have raised all the sponsorship money themselves. I will be out there cheering them on."