A POSTMAN has set his sights on becoming the next world champion in ice speedway when he jets of to America later this year.

On Christmas Day, Will Beveridge, from Manor Road, St Helen Auckland, will be battling against competitors from America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden and Denmark.

Will, 26, is the only rider in the North-East who has been chosen to represent Great Britain in a Grand Prix-style championship to be played out at different venues in the USA over three months.

Now he is looking to businesses in the region for sponsorship. He said: "It will cost a couple of thousand pounds for transport to get the bike and everything over there. I would be able to put company names on the covers on my bike.''

Will, who rides in the Speedway Premier League for Stoke Potters, has been racing for nine years, having also ridden for the Newcastle Diamonds and for Middlesbrough Bears.

He said he was particularly grateful to the post office in Bishop Auckland where he works for giving him three months off.

Anyone who can help Will can call him on 0771 3228300 or (01388) 604184.