Talented young racing driver Michael Higgs has received a bumper sponsorship boost from Cambridge Regional College to help him reach the top.

The 17 year-old who is now doing an apprenticeship with SEAT and finished second in the Fiesta Junior Championship, was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by principal Anne Constantine.

The former CRC motor vehicle student, who lives in Great Easton, Dunmow, will continue his ties with the college, bringing his racing car into the college on open days and talking to prospective students about his career.

“I’m planning to use the sponsorship money for new kit – for a racing suit, boots and gloves,” Higgs said.

“I’m very grateful for the help from CRC. I studied on a motor vehicle course for a year and I really enjoyed it. There are lots of exciting things you can go on to do – including working with a racing team.

“My long term aim is to be a professional racing driver and work in racing.”

CRC principal Constantine said she was delighted the college could help the talented driver.

“Michael is obviously a very dedicated young man. I wish him every success for the future as he moves from junior racing to senior and we are delighted to sponsor him in a small way for this coming year,” Constantine said.

Higgs is moving up to senior racing this season and is planning to race with his father, Ray.

“We have always wanted to race together and we’ll be doing as many races as we can,” he said.