A women's racing team proved they could take on the men when they took part in an endurance race, in France.

Teesside Karting, from South Bank Road, Middlesbrough, was the only all-female team in the 24-hour race at Le Mans.

With grit and determination, the girls finished sixth in the event, in which teams from around the world competed.

Marie Burley, retail sales executive for The Northern Echo in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said the race had been a fantastic experience.

She said: "It was intimidating, because the bulk of the teams were professional and it was the first time that some of us had even witnessed a 24-hour endurance race."

The team raced with six women, after the seventh crashed out in practice.

Their male counterparts were so impressed by the women's effort that they received a standing ovation for their achievement.

Ms Burley said she and friend Sarah Sumner joined the team after an advert appeared in The Northern Echo looking for female drivers.

"It is not just the skill of the drivers that counts. You have to keep the kart going for the whole 24 hours. We had a dedicated team of mechanics who worked around the clock, and we did one hour-45 minute stints each," said Ms Burley.

The team enjoyed the experience so much it is now seeking sponsorship so that it can compete in another endurance race, in Holland, next month.

Any businesses able to help are asked to contact Ms Burley on (01388) 660662.