FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Josh Hastings has been setting the world of Karting alive with a string of impressive drives.

The young motorsport enthusiast picked up another 'Novice Driver' trophy while competing in the South Yorkshire Kart Club's competition near Batley at the weekend.

He got his first taste of motorsport action while on a family holiday to Cyprus in 2004 and became hooked on go-karting.

After returning to home he decided to keep up his interest and began the steep learning curve to improve his driving technique.

"If he was going to have a go at karting he wanted to do it properly and booked on a series of courses to learn how to drive properly - he wanted to get it right," said he step-father Clive Walton.

Josh took intermediate and advanced courses in race driving and earned his RAC competition driving licence. He also bought a second hand go-kart chassis and a new engine.

During 2004 all the hard work start to pay dividends as he gradually improved and picked up his first 'Novice Driver' award.

New drivers have to start at the back of the grid and have to have at least six races under their belts. They make their mark by passing drivers ahead of them as the race progresses.

His kart is capable of speeds up to 80mph while Josh sits just two inches off the ground.

He is now planning to race a full season at the Wombwell track in South Yorkshire and has the backing of several local sponsors, including roofing contractor Steve Nutter.

"Like all motorsports it quite expensive to compete, but Josh has shown they he can perform at the top level. There is a tremendous amount of interest with Sky TV covering the Stars of Tomorrow karting series and many of the top drivers start in the sport," Mr Walton said.

n Josh (right) with his latest trophy.