A BUDDING motorcyclist from Dorset has become the British Under-21 grasstrack champion this year with the help of an opticians in Poole.

Specsavers in Poole donated a season’s worth of contact lenses and new glasses to 17-year-old James Shanes, who lives in Puddletown, so that he could continue racing comfortably and to his best ability.

Shanes said: “I’m so grateful to Specsavers in Poole for this sponsorship, as I’ve struggled before with my vision while doing the sport I love.

‘I’ve made my way up in the world of motorcycle racing and am determined to carry on and become a champion. I’m short-sighted and glasses aren’t practical while racing, so I’m delighted to have a season’s worth of contact lenses to be able to continue my racing career.’

Shanes has been racing grass-track from the age of six and has celebrated a number of victories, including becoming the British Under-21 champion this year and also finishing fourth in the British Masters Championship, the UK’s premier grasstrack event.

He is also a member of the Devon Demons, part of the Plymouth Devils speedway team, which is into their fourth year of Premier League racing.

Store director at Specsavers in Poole, Tim Bennett, says: ‘We’re extremely proud to be sponsoring James and helping him to be able to target further victories.

‘His achievements have been extremely impressive and he’s come so far as such a young contender. It’s important that he has clear vision whilst racing and our contact lenses are perfect for this.

“We wish him all the best on his speedway journey.”