A COMMUNITY-minded pub has sponsored a young karter at the beginning of a racing career. 

The Horns Inn, Wimborne, has sponsored 12-year-old, Archie Cannon.

Archie began karting in 2022 and since has been crowned South Coast Karting Cadet Champion 2023, and South Coast Cadet King of the Coast 2023. 

Tenant of The Horns Inn, Richard Whitaker, said: "We got talking about how he pays for it and and I just said, look, I'm more than happy to help out and offer a financial contribution.

"It will help pay for some petrol or the running cost of the kart but it's all really about the pub trying to do some work to help community."

Archie's family often visit the pub and have built strong connections with it. Richard has also hired Archie's brother, James, to work at the pub. 

Sponsorship can be crucial for karting due to the astronomical costs often tied to it and therefore, Archie's mum, Kirsty Cannon has said she is grateful for the help offered. 

She said: "The family has always been into Formula One but it started when he went to a birthday party at an indoor track and he had always wanted to have a go at it. After that we took him to Chapel Gate circuit and it's only grown from there. 

"We were customers before the sponsorship and Archie has always been very well received at the pub. I think it's brilliant the pubs supports people in the community and that Richard can support different people. He's done a lot at the pub to raise funds."

Since he took tenancy, Richard has worked hard to support the local community and has sponsored other sporting ventures such as Colehill Cricket club. 

The pub has also raised money for a defibrillator which it plans to put up outside the pub. 

Richard said: "We're very deep into the community and for me, I can't just open doors and be a pub anymore. 

"I'm not sure wat's next but I want to do something for Dorset Mind but we're also open to ideas from locals."