A keen motorcyclist from Fenland who is helping other riders in Ely has revved his way into a competition that highlights the achievements of young people in Cambridgeshire.

Seventeen-year-old Michael Farrow has been nominated for Linx Young People of the Year. The competition recognises young people across Cambridgeshire with a £2,000 prize fund.

Michael, of Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, was nominated by John Suckling, his course director at the College of West Anglia’s Isle Campus in Wisbech.

He described Michael as a quiet, unassuming but dedicated person who has never boasted about his achievements.

Michael has just completed his Performance Engineering Operations level two vocational qualification and plans to go on to do a BTEC in motorsport at the campus.

Michael rides 17 miles a day three days a week on his motorbike to college and also spends at least one night a week working with members of the Garage Youth Bike group in Ely.

“I think it’s impressive that a 17-year-old, only just able to ride legally, is passing on his skills and enthusiasm to other young people,” said John.

He added: ”He is the sort of young person that makes you proud to teach and support.”

Michael has worked hard to achieve a youth worker course level one, qualification and now volunteers one night a week at the club which meets at The Lighthouse in Lynn Road.

He really enjoys going to the group. As well as mixing socially they have safety in mind and fix the bikes to make sure that they are in good order and safe. The youngsters go to a track at Ramsey to ride.

“It’s good to see the kids working on the bikes. Bikers don’t always have a good image, but we are working to improve that and show we are responsible,” said Michael.