YOUNG motocross ace Malachi Mitchell-Thomas continued his progress at 50cc level with a fourth place at the YMSA Super Nationals in Chippenham.

The event attracted a strong field, including an impressive Northern Ireland contingent but the six-year-old Westhoughton rider held his own against competitors up to three years his senior to secure his place in the top four.

And it could have been so much better for Mitchell-Thomas. He would certainly have clinched a podium position had his brakes not locked and prevented him from finishing one race.

Next he sets his sights on the Polesworth Grand Prix on October 5.