Junior karting school on Weston Pier

A KARTING school for youngsters is being launched on Weston-super-Mare' new £51 million Grand Pier.

Children aged from eight to 15 will be able to sign up for the school which will see them taken through beginner, intermediate and advanced driver training.

The training will take place on the pier's new 300 metre  - 984ft - long go kart track, which runs over two levels and has cost just under £1 million.

Karting lessons can be booked on either Saturday or Sundays from 9am to 10.30am.

Each child will be issued with their own driving licence which will chart their progression through the school.

It will also include 'endorsements' for bad driving and each student will be trained in safety, kart control and race technique.

There are also plans to hold a Grand Prix event where drivers can compete against each other.

Grand Pier go kart track manager, Russell Madely, said: "I am sure the karting school will be very popular.

"It's a must for aspiring Jensen Button's everywhere.

"As well as the karting school, we will also be organising a regular Grand Prix from September where people can qualify, run in at least two heats and then take part in the final race to find the overall winner."