Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 10 July 2008

A WORKINGTON businessman has ridden to the rescue of a youth go-karting club which was targeted by thieves.

file pic of Mike Armstrong at track (as used N&S Friday)

Robert Gate, of Branthwaite, who runs Gates Tyres based at Lillyhall, this week stepped in with £2,500 for Racing for Buttons, a non-profit-making organisation which runs from Rowrah Karting Stadium, after it had three go karts stolen and other key equipment stolen last week.

The equipment, worth £8,000, included three karts, six helmets, gloves and racing suits.

Devastated volunteers are offering £500 for information leading to the recovery of the karts.

The club allows children from low-income backgrounds to race around the Rowrah track for a minimal charge.

Clandon Armstrong, who runs the club with her husband Mike, and Simon Spencer, said: “We are delighted that Mr Gate has given us this money.

“He has been our knight in shining armour.

“Not many people would come up with this kind of gesture so we are very grateful. We are also very lucky to have found a company willing to give us two karts for the money, as well as some other equipment.”

Prosport Motorsport, based at Houghton-Le-Spring will now supply karts and helmets and boss Bob Shipman is happy to help.

He said: “What has happened to Racing for Buttons is disgusting and the thieves have not taken into account all the good that the club is doing.

“We were happy to be able to help out because the club are very accommodating and friendly club.”

Serial and chassis numbers on the karts will be registered so the thieves won’t be able to race them again.

Because of the theft, the voluntary scheme was suspended until further notice.

The volunteers found that three karts, six helmets, gloves and suits were stolen after a compound lock was cut.

One of the karts – a Zip Puma WTP engine – had been donated by former car and motorcycle world champion John Surtees and was worth £3,500.

A World Formula Birel kart, engine number wf000106, which was bought with a £2,500 lottery grant, was also taken, along with a blue Honda Racing for Buttons kart worth around £1,500.

Mike Armstrong, chairman of Racing for Buttons, said he believed the thieves knew what they were looking for.

Mr Armstrong said: “I am devastated that somebody would come along and do this when it is all for kids’ enjoyment.”

The club, which has been running for several years, holds an annual competition which was due to take place on July 19 this year.

They have had to cancel the event because the first prize was a year’s usage of the kart which had been donated by John Surtees.

Descriptions of the karts are being circulated nationally on the UK Karting website and Mr Armstrong is appealing to ex-karters, businesses or anyone who can help with donations of equipment to contact him on 07826 724588.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0845 33 00 247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.