Year 5 pupil Ryan Saund, from Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, took home the top spot at the Whilton Mill Karting Academy Cadet Championship after securing pole position and delivering strong performances in all three heats.

Ryan, who only began karting in April last year, said: “It felt really, really good, but it was really tricky to complete because the other drivers were really competitive.

“What went well was I managed to defend first from pole position, and I managed to keep a good lead and keep consistent with fast lap times.

“I believe it was because of all of the hard work I have been putting into my karting over the past few months, especially when visiting other circuits.”

Ryan started karting after enjoying the video game Gran Turismo 7 and trying go-karting in real life.

He now trains at least three times a week with his coach, focusing on race skills and kart mechanics.

His parents are incredibly proud and are his biggest supporters.

His school marked the win with a congratulatory post on Facebook, stating: “Ryan in Year 5 won his first championship race over the weekend. He had 3 really dominant heats and followed that up with a dominant performance in the final. Well done Ryan!!”

Ryan’s goal now is to win the remaining six races of the season and take the overall championship.

Tony Jackson, 65, from Pinkneys Green in Berkshire, is riding an electric motorbike from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The challenge, which will begin on May 27,  and he aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.

The 65-year-old spent more than 36 years working as an RAF squadron leader in air traffic control and flight operations.

His brother, Trevor Jackson, from Aston, will be accompanying him on the journey with his electric Farizon van.

READ MORE: Disabled parking spaces in county could be cut under new proposals

Trevor, a retired RAF Flight Lieutenant said: “Whilst we have both been incredibly fortunate not to need the services of the RAF Benevolent Fund many others do require that support.”

Tony will be riding a Maeving RM1s electric bike, covering approximately 150 miles per day during the seven-day journey.

He said: “I have to rendezvous with him about every 50 miles because the bike’s batteries will only get him about 60 miles tops.

“So, we have identified lots of journey legs where there is somewhere appropriate for us to stop, change batteries and maybe have a coffee break.”

Tony Jackson (left) and Trevor Jackson (right) with his electric Farizon van (Image: Trevor Jackson)

He continued: “In his last tour of duty in the RAF my brother was in command of the largest flight in the RAF with over 100 personnel who were either suffering from injuries received in overseas theatres of war or road traffic collisions, other illnesses and some who were sadly terminally ill.

“His group was regularly in receipt of successful bids for financial support with thousands of pounds granted to personnel from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The brothers will set off from RAF High Wycombe with a media event at the main gate before heading to Cornwall to begin the ride from Land’s End.

Night stops are planned in Taunton, RAF Shawbury, Penrith, Stirling, and Inverness before reaching John O’Groats.

The 65-year-old said: “The van can go just over 200 miles on a single charge.

“My brother is also a qualified drone pilot, and he intends to set up his drone to follow him in scenic locations throughout the journey.”

The brothers hope their journey will demonstrate that long-distance travel is possible using battery-powered vehicles, while also raising awareness of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s vital work.

The charity provides emotional, financial, and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, this is through mental health support, welfare breaks, mental health support and more.

In 2024 the charity reported that they spent £15.1m on welfare delivery for more than 64,00 people including serving personnel, veteran and their families.

The group, formed in 1986 after a Bicester School evening class exploring the 1851 census, has grown into a cornerstone of the community, with three original committee members still involved today.

Chairman Bob Hessian said: “We’re very proud of the programme of activities we’ve provided for our members over the years.

“These include a series of regular talks, visits to places of interest and historical walks in local towns and villages.”

Over the years, the society has held major exhibitions, developed a comprehensive website, and run oral history sessions to preserve the memories of long-standing residents.

Mr Hessian added: “It’s been a privilege to be asked to participate in oral history work conducted by Oxford University for their ‘Lest We Forget’ (WW2) and ‘Their Finest Hour’ (WW1) projects.”

The society has restored Bicester’s mid-18th-century fire engine, produced books and DVDs, and published a tri-annual magazine, The Bicester Historian.

Engaging young people remains a priority, with primary school classes and Brownie groups taking part in history walks.

The society’s largest event was its 25th-anniversary exhibition in 2011, featuring more than 50 exhibitors, vintage vehicles, and guided tours.

Current projects include a book on the origins of Bicester’s street names, due for publication later this year.

The group continues to celebrate and preserve the town’s heritage through community engagement and historical exploration.

More information can be found on their website, www.blhs.org.uk.