A rising Suffolk karting star felt all his hard work had paid off after he received an award in honour of his achievements from a sporting council.

Euan Stephenson, 14, who is originally from Felixstowe, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of seven-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Earlier this week, he received the Underwood Hardware Junior Sports Personality of the Year award from the Felixstowe and District Council for Sport and Recreation, presented by the town's mayor Seamus Bennett.

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He said: "I feel that all the hard work I put in last year, learning and progressing, was worth it. Being awarded such an award is a massive part of my journey towards more motorsports glory.

"It's a fantastic award."

In January, he spoke of how he was looking forward to a 'massive 2024' as he strived towards his goal of becoming a Formula One driver.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kart racer Euan Stephenson in familiar pose behind the wheelKart racer Euan Stephenson in familiar pose behind the wheel (Image: Alex Stephenson)He has returned to national racing and is competing in the Junior Kart Championship for drivers aged between 13 and 18, where he is currently placed ninth.

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In January, Euan's father Alex said the Junior Kart Championship would be run over five rounds, with Euan, a pupil at St Albans Catholic School in Ipswich, racing under the Junior Rotax category and stepping up into UK Motorsport and Kart Championship regulations.

Mr Stephenson said the privateer race team behind Euan had a busy winter, with his kart's engine being tuned at the 'nationally-renowned' Wright Engine Builders, while new sponsors had been secured.

He added: "This year will be massive for us as a race team, as we learned from last year’s tough season and we walk away from that season with our heads held high and loads of learning.

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"Me as mechanic and manager I have learned so much in kart set-up and making the best out of what we have and Euan has learned so many different techniques and has improved so much."

Euan has been karting since he was eight and since then has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge.

He began karting at Anglia Indoor Karting in Ipswich, before moving to a larger outside track at Ellough Raceways in Beccles.

READ MORE: Suffolk news