Thomas, just 12, shows his skills at the wheel

Youngster named runner-up in national driving competition

He may only be 12 years old, but Thomas Hope has already demonstrated his prowess behind the wheel of a car.

Thomas, from Egerton, has been named as one of the UK’s best young drivers.

He came second in the 10-to-13 age category of the 2016 Young Driver Challenge.

The Norton Knatchbull pupil took the accolade in the final of the challenge, which is specifically for those aged under 17, and took place at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

The event is run by Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons.

Thomas impressed the judges with his skill behind the wheel, including demonstrating an impressive control of the car in manoeuvres such as tight steering, turns in the road and emergency stops.

The competition, which is in its third year, aims to find the best young drivers in the country, with hundreds of youngsters entering at one of Young Driver’s 42 sites across the UK.

The 40 finalists with the top scores took part in the final, competing in two age catego- ries – 10-to-13 and 14-to-16. Thomas’s second-place finish won him five Young Driver lessons and a medal.

The challenge aims to encourage youngsters to consider responsible and safe driving, with top marks given to those who show the best levels of control and awareness.

Thomas, who takes Young Driver lessons at the scheme’s Bluewater venue, turned 12 just days after the contest.

He said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the Young Driver Challenge 2016 and it was amazing to make the final, and then come in second place. There were some great drivers there.”

Kim Stanton, who heads up the Young Driver scheme, said: “Well done to Thomas. It was an amazing achievement to come second and he should be very proud of how well he did. All of our finalists gave a great demonstration of just how responsible young people can be behind the wheel.”

For more information on Young Driver visit www.youngdriver.eu or call 0844 371 9010.

Thomas Hope, who came second in the 10-13 age category at the Young Driver Challenge 2016