LOCAL teenager Rachael Salt was on top of the world when she met her motor-cycle racing hero Valentino Rossi ahead of his British Grand Prix win last weekend.

Rachael, of Common Lane, Culcheth, was introduced to motor-cycling at an early age by her dad, Tony, who used to race professionally, and has had a keen interest ever since.

When she heard the flamboyant London-based Italian triple world champion was going to be meeting and greeting fans in London's Leicester Square last week she jumped straight on the train and prepared for what was to be a once in a lifetime experience.

Having done her research, Rachael was lucky enough to obtain a pass for The Sports Cafe in Haymarket, where Rossi was due to attend a press conference prior to making his public appearance.

Here she spent two hours rubbing shoulders with the star, getting her photograph taken with him and having various memorabilia signed. An ecstatic Rachael then joined the crowds of fans outside the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square.

She said: "I was really excited on the day and didn't really know what to expect. I felt so lucky to meet Valentino and when I had my photograph taken with him I was in my element. The whole day was wonderful and I will never forget it."

Rossi, known as 'The Doctor' to his many fans, proved why he is odds-on favourite to win this year's World Championship when, despite having broken his thumb in the qualifying races, he won his 100th Grand Prix at Donington Park on Sunday.