A seven-year-old kart racer from Staffordshire is following in the path of British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton despite having cerebral palsy.

David Benton, of Foxfields Way, Huntington, has qualified to race in the new Easy 50 karting category by completing a course at the same Kent racing centre Buckmore Park where Hamilton was discovered.

His proud mother Theresa told how David, who attends Longford Primary School, had taken part in his first exhibition race at Rye House, Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire last weekend and was preparing for his first competitive time trial drive in the Lake District next month.

She said: “He has done really well to qualify, because he has cerebral palsy.

“He took up the sport known as Bambino Karting only six months ago and is doing really well.

“His ambition is to follow in Lewis Hamilton’s steps.”

Previously only children over eight years old could partipate in karting.

Easy 50 karting takes youngsters from age six and uses purpose made miniature 50cc karts with a maximum speed of 30mph. David’s current kart cost £1,000.

The young drivers have to learn skills such as pedal control, steering, control of the kart and safety awareness before they can begin racing.

David’s father Dave is a former stock car racer and was a regular at the Hednesford Raceway.

He said: “His interest in racing came from going to watch me.”

Dave told how his son is really looking forward to the time trial event over the weekend of August 21 to 23.

He added: “The plan is for him to go into racing when he is eight.”