THIS car crazy teenager spent two years saving his newspaper round money to buy a stock car - only to write it off on his first lap in competition.

Kieran Shaw, 14, had spent virtually every minute he wasn't at school working on cars - dad Philip is disabled so he could only offer moral support to his son.

But help was at hand. Members of the Warton Stock Car Club found out and decided to rally round.

Kieran, who lives with his family on South Avenue, already had the shell of another mini which Mick and Val O'Brien of the club are helping him - with time and money - to convert.

Kieran, at Carnforth High School, said. "I was gutted when it happened. I just want to thank everyone who has helped me especially Val and Mick and my sponsor Ken Allen who gave me the shell of the Mini."

Dad Philip described the moment he saw the accident: "I saw him come out and the look on his face. As soon as that happened I knew that somehow we'd have to sort it out for him.

"He's had two years of saving up while his mates have spent their money on different things. Then every non-school hour working on his engine and everything. I'm really touched by what the stock car club and other people have done for him.

"I'm an ex-engineer so I could help him with knowledge and moral support but I couldn't physically. We're just proud of him and glad that he's doing something constructive."

Val O'Brien of the club said they felt they had to help as soon as they heard: "We didn't hear about it until after the next meeting and just thought we should help. Mick's working with him on it and we're helping out with materials. Whatever it costs it'll be worth it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.