RYAN McCall is hoping to fly the flag for Dorset in this year's MSA Bambino karting championship.

The seven-year-old, who attends St Ives Primary and Nursery School, will take his chance in the series which is the biggest of its kind for six to eight-year-olds.

Ryan has always had a passion for motorsport and his heroes include Valentino Rossi, John McGuiness, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.

He started his love of karting watching his father Jamie race and soon realised he wanted to get behind the wheel.

Dad Jamie gave up his passion of karting to fund his son's dream and is now Ryan's full-time mechanic on the track.

Jamie watches every lap Ryan completes and the sport has given him a huge boost in confidence and fitness.

The MSA Bambino championship takes place over seven rounds on some of the finest race tracks in the country, including Larkhall, Scotland, Paul Fletcher International (PFI) in Lincolnshire, Three Sisters in Wigan, Shennington in Oxfordshire, GYG in Cumbria, Rowrah in Wales.

It is the only competing class recognised by the Motorsport Association and, for the first time this year, will host a racing competition as opposed to the previous time trials.

Ryan has been racing for around a year and has won many trophies.

His family is hoping the competition will help him take a step closer to his dream of becoming a professional racing driver.

Alongside the MSA Bambino Championship, he will also compete at Camberley Kart Club and Shennington Race Series this year.

The family is looking for local businesses and individuals to help support Ryan on his journey.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ryan is asked to contact Kelly on 07933 585051 or email jamie_mccall@hotmail.co.uk