GRACE Packman, of Wellington, won a podium spot at the two-day British Women’s Motocross Championships at Bushton, near Swindon - and she’s only 12, writes Barry Knott.

Grace, who is a student at Court Fields School and lives at Cades Farm, is following in the footsteps of her dad, Dean Packman, who was the South West champion for four successive years.

She has been racing since the age of seven and last year just missed out on a top-three finish at the Girls National Motocross championships.

Riding her 85cc Husquvarna at Bushton, she finished third overall following six gruelling races.

Grace has been in training for the national championships since October last year, after breaking her arm on her BMX bike.

Supporters trackside for this year’s senior event included her dad, mum Laura Davie, brother Tommy-dean Parkman, grandma Julie Gill and nan Hilary Packman.

Mum said afterwards: “Grace has put everything into becoming a confident and stylish rider and I’m beaming with pride.”