A Norwich teenager has picked up a prestigious kart racing award from one of the sport's top clubs.

Oliver Graham, 14, a pupil at Taverham High School, has won the Junior Sportsman of the Year award at the annual Hunts Kart Racing Club awards.

The award comes after a very successful year competing on many of the UK's top kart racing circuits in the fiercely competitive Junior Formula TKM class, in which Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button began their racing careers.

Oliver, from Thorpe Marriott, was delighted with the award, which he picked up at the Sharnbrook Hotel, near Bedford.

'It is fantastic to receive this award from one of the top circuits in the country. It is really a tremendous honour for me,' said the youngster.

'I am hoping to build on this achievement and am looking forward to another busy year on the circuit in 2012.'

Oliver competed in two club championships as well as the Anglian Trophy, TKM Festival and the Brazilian Cup in 2011.

He has raced on circuits, including Kimbolton in north Cambridgeshire, Whilton Mill near Daventry, Northamptonshire, PF International near Grantham, Lincolnshire and Ellough Park near Beccles.

Oliver is sponsored by Autotest, a Bosch Car Service Centre based on the Norwich Airport Industrial Estate and by Airways Tyres, on Fifers Lane, Norwich. His engines are built by Graham Fyson Engineering. Without their support it would be difficult to progress in what is an intensely competitive sport.

'I can't thank them enough and I hope to repay them further for all their help and encouragement in the future,' added Oliver.