By Anwen Francis

T LLEW Jones school pupil, eight-year-old Harry Drewitt of Rhydlewis has recently been awarded the title of Welsh Motorcycle Federation D Class Champion for his success in trials riding.

The keen rider only started trials riding last year and receiving such an award is a huge achievement for the determined Ceredigion youngster.

Harry, his mum Leanne and dad Nathan, travel all over south west Wales, and up to Cheshire competing nearly every other weekend and Harry’s 2015 season was hugely successful.

"We bought him an Oset bike (electric trials bike) for his birthday and he took to it like a duck to water. This is a huge achievement in his first year of competition of trials and we are looking forward to his first trial of this season at the end of this month in Glogue," commented a delighted Leanne.

"We are really proud. At some trials he has been competing against up to 30 other competitors and at other trials only a handful have turned up because of the weather, so you could say that consistency on Harry’s part to compete in any weather has paid off."

Leanne thinks that it’s his determination that has ensured his success so far.

"He also has natural balance and skill. It’s a bit like show jumping – if you knock a pole you collect faults, the same as trials riding where Harry will collect faults for putting his feet on the floor when he tackles a course. The rider with the lowest score wins," explained Leanne who said that Harry has to ride through rivers, over rocks, logs and anything else they throw at them and this requires discipline, balance and control.

Harry practises after school and on weekends and is thoroughly dedicated to his sport.

"He comes home, gets changed and is out on his bike as much as he can, even just helping around the family farm, checking and collecting cows. This helps him when he’s at competitions and we are looking forward to the season ahead," concluded Leanne.