A CROWDFUNDING appeal has been set up he help a Borders teenager achieve his dream of competing at the European Downhill Mountain Bike Championships next year and the World Championships in 2023.

Logan Smith (16) from Coldstream is one of only five UK youngsters selected to ride for the GT-VIRIS Youth Development Team led by World Cup legend Andy Ward.

And he has just completed his first full season where he placed 5th in Scotland and currently awaits his UK National seeding.

The all-round sportsman is currently taking sports coaching at Berwickshire High School and is a keen rugby player for Duns Colts as well as being a member of the Hirsel golf course.

Downhill mountain bike racing is Logan’s passion however and his talent and determination was rewarded with a cheque for £500 from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders to help him toward his goal at a ceremony in Henderson Park last week.

Although some of his equipment is subsidised by the team’s sponsors the travel and accommodation costs are not so the appeal was launched.

Logan told the Border Telegraph: “My aim is to compete in the European Cup which takes place in Switzerland next year and the money donated will help to fund that. GT-VIRIS subsidise my kit and 40% of my bike, but not the travelling and accommodation costs.

“The team’s sponsors want us to train hard and get fit and strong and I do rugby training with Duns twice a week and also go to the gym.

“The sport is very expensive, and my dad has set up a Go Fund Me page to help cover the costs. The aim was to raise £5,000 and so far we are at £1075 which includes the £500 cheque. I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped me. There has been a lot of local support.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-logan-realise-his-dream-racing-world-cup