Silsden schoolgirl Danielle Whitham is revving up to become the British Ladies trials-riding champion for the third time.

But the 15-year-old, a pupil at South Craven School, at Cross Hills, needs help to compete in the spectacular sport and take part in the European Championships, which start in April.

Until recently, Danielle’s dad Paul has been her minder. He followed her round trials courses, made up of varying degrees of obstacles, to catch her if the bike slipped. But now he needs to keep an eye on her younger sister Gaby, nine, who is also gearing up to make a name for herself in the sport.

Trials are all about manoeuvring a motorbike through a series of obstacles without putting your foot down. The aim is to do several laps of the course, picking up points if you put a foot down, roll back, fall off or crash – the winner is the rider who comes away with the fewest points.

“If you picture a boulder the size of your front door and imagine revving a motorbike to the top, balancing, turning 90 degrees and coming back down the other side, all without putting a foot down, you get the idea,” said Danielle.

Her next challenge is to keep her Ladies title at A class level and to compete in Europe.

Danielle’s mum, Kim, said: “There are two things that would really help us. Firstly, we’re looking for someone who can travel with us and act as a minder to catch Danielle in case she falls while competing.

“And secondly, we’re hoping to attract a little more sponsorship that would help us get Danielle competing in Europe.”

Five years ago a family member let Danielle, who also plays for the Leeds United Academy, have a go on his trials bike, and she has been hooked ever since.

Despite being such a good sport, Danielle was keen to point out she is still a typical teenager: “I love trials riding and playing for Leeds, but don’t get me wrong, I still love shopping too!”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming Danielle’s minder, or helping her get to Europe, should call (01535) 656770.