A YOUNGSTER from West Dorset will be learning from the best after winning a prestigious racing scholarship.

Charles Foot, who grew up in Mosterton, is heading to South Africa to join trainer Alistair Gordon near Durban as part of the Fred Packard Scholarship.

Foot currently works for Anthony Honeyball in Dorset. He attended the British Racing School in 2011 and since then he has achieved both his level two and level three qualifications. In his application he stated: “I am very proud of what I have achieved so far in the racing industry.

“I have had some amazing experiences long before I could only have dreamed of.”

The scholarship provides funding for an ex-BRS trainee who is under 25 and who has achieved their level two qualification, to have a three month period of work experience with a trainer in either South Africa or Australia.

It was set up in memory of former BRS trustee Fred Packard, who took a keen interest in the young people training at the school before his death in 2009.

Rory MacDonald, who is a member of the selection committee, said: “Charles is exactly the sort of person that the scholarship aims to encourage and support.

“Fred Packard was a distinguished and much respected trustee of the British Racing School who was keen to provide meaningful opportunities to young people, especially in racing, to allow them to meet their ambitions and full potential.”