Karting scheme aimed at finding a future champion

Toby McAllister-Brown is applying for the new scheme at Buckmore Park

A Kent karting circuit where Lewis Hamilton began his racing career has unveiled a new scheme to get young people into the sport.

Buckmore Park, near Chatham, has launched a driver development programme, designed to give 15 individuals aged between 12 and 25 "essential skills for on and off the track".

A number of scholarships for the programme will also be offered, according to the kart circuit.

Motorsport experts will be "on hand to help mentor the students", a spokesperson said.

Those experts include senior representatives from McLaren F1, Formula E and British Touring Cars.

The intensive week-long programme begins on 19 August.

If successful, the programme will run three times a year with the aim of "developing a future British or World Champion by 2035".

Lewis Hamilton and other top drivers in motorsport began their careers karting at Buckmore Park

Phil Ling, managing director of Buckmore Park Karting, said: "This course is to give everybody not just the basics but a more in-depth view - the mechanics, a bit of the commercial side, the fitness and nutrition."

Toby McAllister-Brown, from Tunbridge Wells, is a 17-year-old kart racer who wants to pursue a career in motorsport and is applying for the course.

He said: “It’s fun. You learn a lot of useful skills.

"It also helps you get your name out there and it’s just really enjoyable."