BOVEY Tracey’s Go Kart Rally has taken a significant step forward with the delivery of two kart chassis.

They’re now ready to be put together and converted into extravagant, and hopefully outlandish, vehicles – and there’s still time for any willing young people to sign up.

Helen Tate, Riverside Community Centre manager, is the ‘driving force’ behind the project.

She explained the venture was designed to give the town’s teenagers a way to express themselves and get involved in something new, and where they can also learn useful skills and foster a team spirit.

The team behind the project met the first youngsters and their parents last week.

Helen said: ‘It was really positive. There was plenty of enthusiasm.

‘We discussed potential courses and layouts, including ramps, bumps and chicanes, as well as the type of protective gear needed.’

The new kits comprise wheels, a base and steering gear, and it’s entirely up to the teams to design their kart around it. They were purchased with help from a Devon County Council community fund of £3,000.

The youngsters will receive help and guidance form Justin Fellows, a woodland craft expert, and former science teacher Cat Howard.

Several locations in and around Bovey Tracey are being sounded out for suitability.

‘Once the karts are made we hope to start trialling them by February,’ said Helen.

‘The school holidays and weekends between now and then should give us enough time to come up with something special.’

The football pavilion is destined to become the workshop for the creative part, where Helen hopes to raise two teams of four for each kart, and there are still some spaces available.

She said: ‘If there are any young people in Bovey Tracey or Heathfield who want to join in there’s still time. Please get in touch by emailing me at [email protected].’