A RISING motocross rider hopes to one day compete in the World Championships.

James Hanscomb had a fantastic 2016 and is the recipient of this year's Hereford Times Ted Woodriffe Award, presented to a young sportsperson who made a name for themselves during the past year.

The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School pupil, who is from Woolhope, won every race in the AMC 85CC Championship before finishing runner-up in the equally competitive Bridgestone BSMA series.

All of this arrived on the back of a stunning debut season which included James finishing seventh in the France Master Kids event against 25 other nations.

His success in the sport led to tyre manufacturing giant Bridgestone sponsoring him, and they will once again be backing him when the new season starts next month.

"It's really good to have them on board and I'm riding again for them this year," said James, who has just recovered from breaking his arm in November.

"I ride every weekend, including across Europe, and would like to maybe do a few World Championships one day.

"The new season starts in March and once again I will be riding in the APEXMOTOCROSS Team, which will be my last season on the 85cc.

"My main championship will be Bridgestone and it will be the third year they have sponsored me."