A POSTMAN has set his sights on becoming the next world champion in ice speedway when he competes in the US later this year.

Will Beveridge, of Manor Road, St Helen Auckland, will be battling on the ice on Christmas Day against riders from the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden and Denmark.

Will, 26, is the only rider from the North-East chosen to represent Great Britain in the grand prix-style world championships, to be raced at a number of venues in the US over three months.

Now he is looking to businesses in the region for sponsorship to help him fund his world championship challenge.

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 and I know it will get television coverage over there."

Will, who rides in the British Speedway Premier League for Stoke Potters, has been racing for nine years.

He has also raced for Newcastle Diamonds and Middlesbrough Bears, which were disbanded in 1996.

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

Anyone wishing to help can contact Will on 0771 3228300 or (01388) 604184.