THE foundations have been laid for a North-East race circuit to join the elite of British motor sport venues.

The paddock at Teesside Autodrome has been completely re-laid as part of a programme of improvements costing more than £100,000.

This follows a £500,000 investment last year to extend the race circuit to 1.2 miles, making it suitable for all types of karts, motorbikes and cars through to Formula 3.

The aim is to provide the venue at South Tees Motorsports Park, South Bank, Middlesbrough, with facilities to rival the UK's best-known motor sport centres such as Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Donington Park.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have carried out the work with support from the regional development agency One NorthEast.

"The paddock is where vehicles are prepared for races and having a smooth, level surface on which to work is almost as important to drivers and their mechanics as the race track itself," said venue operator Bob Pope.

As part of the project, floodlighting has been installed in the paddock, at the main entrance and in the public car park, while additional toilets have been provided trackside.

The work is part of ongoing investment in Teesside Autodrome to achieve standards set by the British Motor Sports Association.

In a deal with the Seat Jennings dealership, the circuit has a fleet of six 245hp Seat Leon Coupe racing cars, equipped with roll cage and four-point safety harness, as well as a race standard Mini Cooper Challenge car and karts for all ages and abilities. Visitors can also choose 4x4s and quad bikes.