A 13-year-old boy from Swadlincote has impressed at the model racing car world championships in Prague.

Louis Parker travelled to Prague with his dad and chief mechanic Richard Parker to take part in the International Youth Race Car Models Association international junior championships.

The William Allitt pupil did well in the championships, coming in fifth out of the whole field and third in the under-16s category.

Louis qualified in seventh place in the main finals, for the top 10 drivers, and was determined to do even better in the finals. In the first and second finals, he made his way up to fourth place before being hit by other drivers, which saw him drop down the leader board.

However, in the third final he got a good clean race and finished third, which put him in fifth place overall.

Dad Richard said: "We've never been abroad to race before, so it was really exciting for him to be taking part in an international event. He's been doing it since he was seven years old, and for him to be in the top group of racers for his age is a fantastic achievement."

Louis came in third in the under-16s category

Qualifying for the championships began on Wednesday, August 9 and the final took place four days later. The pair got back to their home in Swadlincote on Monday, August 14. Competitors from across the globe travelled to take part, and Louis was one of just three to take part from the UK.

His dad added: "I'm so proud of him. I've always loved racing and he has too, so to see him doing so well in something he enjoys so much is great."

Louis' car, a radio-controlled model, coming in at approximately 20 inches, has been supplied by Schumacher Racing, who have sponsored him since he started competing. The model racing car manufacturer sends the parts to Louis and his dad for them to build up and create their racing car.

Looking for a job? There are thousands available at www.Fish4.co.uk