A TEN-year-old karting champion from Verwood hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and is appealing for help to do so.

Ethan Leader has scooped four trophies in his first six months in Motor Sport Association cadet kart racing.

The Emmanuel Middle School pupil practices at the Clay Pigeon Kart Club near Dorchester, the circuit used by both Button and Hamilton in their early racing days.

And he hopes one day to race in Formula 1 and emulate their worldwide success.

His little brother Edward, eight, also plans to take up karting this year and now their dad Paul has appealed for a sponsor to help make their dreams come true.

He said: “When Ethan first started he was using a seven-year-old kart and an old engine, which were the oldest on the grid.

“He was still winning best cadet novice trophies and, by his third race, was outperforming others with much better hardware.”

Paul said his son now raced in a better second-hand car but added: “We are a normal family and have to work very hard and make many sacrifices to fund Ethan in his motor sport career.

“We would really welcome some sponsorship from businesses and in return would advertise their name and products on Ethan’s kart livery and trailer.”

Ethan, who is about to start his first full year of cadet karting, said: “I’d love to be like Lewis Hamilton one day.

“I’m really enjoying racing and I’m looking forward to my brother starting too.”

The youngster is so keen he’s started a fitness routine which includes swimming, cycling and morning exercise.

Anyone who can help should call Paul on 07771 5644318.