TWO youngsters have raced ahead to become BMX champions at the tender ages of just five and eight.

Siblings Louis and Millie Rawlinson, from Horwich, started riding BMX bikes just 12 months ago and are already winning big in the field.

After a stellar first season, the Horwich Parish Primary pupils competed in the British Championships, with Millie earning the British number four title for girls under six.

Mum Catherine Rawlinson said that Millie had only just learned to ride a bike when she started her BMX career after watching her brother take to the sport just a month before.

Ms Rawlinson said: "We just didn't expect it. We bought Louis a mountain bike one Christmas and he picked up BMX.

"Millie couldn't even ride without stabilisers and the next week she was on a track riding down a start hill. She's just got no fear.

"Now her coaches have given her a nickname — The Silent Destroyer. She quiet, but when she's racing she's a completely different person."

After only one year of racing for the Preston Pirates, Millie, age five, is now at the top spot in the girls six and under class in the North, while Louis placed fourth in the expert eights category for the region.

Racing has taken them across the country to tracks in Derby, Leeds and Peckham, with the siblings competing against as many as 30 other children.

Not only is the sport a source of fun, but the parents say they have seen personal progress in the two riders.

Ms Rawlinson said: "We absolutely love it, it's a great environment for them. All of the children support each other whether they win races or lose.

"Louis is very shy but his confidence shows in everything he does now. We're so proud, they have done amazingly.

The young pair have just been signed to BMX race team Northern Outlaws and are hoping to train for more success in the future. Millie has her sights set on becoming the British number one, while Louis is aiming to get to the world championship competition next year.