RICHARD Hall, the young Aiskew motorcyclist, has returned from his first international grass track event in France with his biggest and most prestigious trophy so far.

Richard, a member of an international B team, was the youngest rider present at the long track event organised at the weekend by Moto Club Marmandais at Marmande, near Bordeaux, to mark Bastille Day.

The 16-year-old (pictured above) was one of seven riders taking part in the B team event around a 900-yard three-cornered course which requires a larger engine and riding skills at higher speeds.

Riding a 500cc machine, Richard finished second to Cyril Thomas, of France. Paul Cooper, of York, was third before a crowd estimated at 10,000. Other competitors came from Germany, France and England.

Competitors were awarded points through heats and into the final, which Richard looked like winning until experience in the shape of Cyril Thomas overtook him.

As well as his trophy, Richard came home with £350 in prize money and £300 towards travelling expenses.

Richard, who travelled 2,500 miles with his father, John, to take part in the event, said: "It's my biggest achievement so far."

The talented youngster, who aims to become British master and world long track grass racing champion, has been invited back to France for another international at Rheims and possibly for the world long track final supporting race in Morizes.

While grass tracking in this country has been curtailed by the foot-and-mouth crisis, Richard has been riding his speedway machine. He is in action with the Newcastle youth development team at Workington tomorrow and in Glasgow on Sunday.

Richard, who has been handling motorcycles since he was only eight, was recently one of 22 talented young sportspeople to take a share of £6,375 handed out by Hambleton council leisure department.

He needs more sponsors to help meet the costs involved in his sport and anyone who can help with finance, fuel or equipment should contact 01677 423511