POWERBOAT racer Paul Scott is aiming to be on top of the world this season.

The 26-year-old Leigh sportsman started the new Formula 3 world championship season on course to achieve his dream, winning the first race of the year, the French Grand Prix, in Epinay sur Seine.

He collected a haul of five trophies including one presented by the French president, Jacques Chirac.

Last year the Leigh businessman, who has been racing from the age of 15, finished third overall in the table.

Paul, of Beech Walk, Leigh, is a member of the Lancashire Power Racing Club based at Carr Mill, St Helens, where his father, Dave, is Commodore and mum, Helen, is Lady Commodore.

He is following in his father's footsteps as a racer and works for his father's mini soil survey company. He has worked his way through the racing ranks and progressed to formula 3 six years ago.

He has his own boats and back-up team including mechanics, his younger sister, Sarah, dad as manager and mum as press agent.

Helen said: "We are thrilled with this victory, it was a great start to the season. There were some massive crowds due to the D-Day celebrations."