A YOUNGSTER has been awarded a unique licence to take part in BMX bike competitions despite being a year younger than the rules stipulate.

Ten-year-old Danny Hart raced in the Scottish Downhill event at the weekend after organisers made a mistake by allowing him to compete against 14 and 15-year-olds.

But when Danny, from Redcar, came fourth, officials realised something had to be done to allow his promising career to develop further.

Now the Cycling Federation have extended his licence for BMX racing to cover downhill events.

Proud dad Paul said: "He was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Nobody could believe it, but we were made up.

"I can see why the officials have to be careful - parents go to shops and buy their kids a bike and think they can race, but Danny wears full body armour and a full face helmet all paid for by his sponsors.

"It is not taken lightly," he said.