HE’S not yet old enough to drive on the roads – but a motorsport-mad Ludlow schoolboy is all geared up to make his debut behind the wheel at Shropshire’s premier track this month.

Ludlow School pupil Tom Weaver, 16, is too young to start driving lessons but has already attained his Motorsport UK competition driving licence.

That enables him to drive in organised speed hill climb competitions and he will make his bow at Loton Park Hill Climb, near Shrewsbury, on Sunday, March 31.

Tom – who has been marshalling at motorsport events for five years – hopes to follow in the footsteps of one of his heroes, Ludlow’s multiple British Hill Climb champion Scott Moran.

The teenager - who was voted Young Marshal of the Year in 2015 - will share a single seater car with his father, Ludlow garage owner Richard, who is part of the rescue team at the venue.

The pair have bought a classic 1991 Van Diemen Formula Ford car, which they have totally rebuilt over the winter, with Tom contributing half the costs, having saved up for many years.

Tom said: “I have been part of the junior marshal team at Loton Park for some years and have been really close to the action.

“That has been great, watching the best drivers such as six-times champion Scott Moran, together with drivers and cars from across the UK as they race up the hill against the clock.

“I am thrilled to be able to get onto the track myself now and have a go at driving, although I am under strict instructions to take things slowly and not get too excited or ambitious, as it will be a very steep learning curve.”

Dad Richard added: “Tom has worked so hard over the years to raise funds and was pestering me for ages to get a racing car.

“So I told him that if he found a suitable one and could come up with half the money, then we could have one.

“Later last year Tom handed me an advert for this car as a ‘box of bits’ and we have worked together to rebuild it completely in its current fine state of preparation, which is very rewarding in itself. We can’t wait to get going!

“Although Tom is very young with no experience, the safety facilities at Loton Park are superb, with marshals and medical staff on hand to keep both competitors and spectators safe, but he still needs to take things steady.”

To kick off the start of the new season, event organisers Hagley Car Club are offering free admission to spectators on Sunday, March 31 for this first meeting and further details can be found at www.hdlcc.com.