RAMSBOTTOM rider Ben Butterworth was celebrating this week after finishing on the podium in the Pre-65 Scottish Trial.

Butterworth, riding an Ariel, was third overall after dropping just six marks in two days of tough trialling around the Highland village of Kinlochleven. His score was two adrift of winner James Noble, who lost four marks.

The result was enough for Butterworth, who is a member of the Red Rose Classic MCC, to win the coveted Ralph Venables Trophy for third-best performance. Ex-winner Paul Heys, of Rawtenstall, came seventh overall on his Triumph Tiger Cub, with 13 penalties.

Some 180 riders from across Britain and Europe — selected by ballot from an oversubscribed entry — contested 31 sections over the two days, with riders facing six hours in the saddle each day.

Butterworth got his event off to a great start, cleaning Friday’s first five sections and ending the day with four penalties. An amazing performance on day two, with just two more penalties, sealed a great weekend for the promising young rider.

Former world champion Yrjo Vesterinen, making his second attempt at the Pre-65, went home with the Nick Nichols Trophy, awarded to the best over-60 rider in the event. He finished 24th overall on his Cub.

Simon Sharp, boss of Hope Technology in Barnoldswick, collected the Mick Andrews Trophy awarded to the best rider on a rigid trials bike over 350cc. He finished 83rd overall on his Matchless.

There was success for other members of Colne-based Red Rose. John Maxfield was 14th overall to collect special first-class award. Butterworth’s brother Jack got a first-class award for coming home 27th overall and chalking up 49 cleans.

Chris Gascoigne brought home an Ariel 31st overall. Owen Hardisty finished 71st, with Philip Clarkson, of Chorley, 141st.