A NORTH Yorkshire teenager has won a regional karting contest with an impressive performance in a nail-biting final.

Max Coates, 13, from Scorton, claimed the six-round Northern Karting Federation Championship at Wombwell Kart Circuit, near Barnsley.

After 27 races, three drivers were separated by three points at the start of the final heat.

The Richmond School pupil took the lead going into the first corner and held on to it for nine of the ten laps.

However, he was then overtaken by a driver who was not in contention for the top spot. Max was pushed wide, allowing a challenger to pass. But the youngster kept his cool and managed to overtake his rival as they approached the chequered flag.

Second place gave Max his first championship win. He is sponsored by Focal Earth, Coates Garage, MAK Racing and Simon Loveridge, of Gratia