YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to become racing drivers by taking part in new go-karting sessions.

The go-karts at Fenton Manor Sports Complex will be mainly available for children's parties but will be used for casual weekend sessions at the City Road centre.

The go-karts have been provided as part of a £25,000 project by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The council is spending £250,000 on a major overhaul of the Shapes Health and Leisure Club at the complex.

Youngsters aged six to 15 years old were able to try out the pedal go-karts for the first time yesterday.

Chris Austin, events co-ordinator for the city council, said: "These new go-karting sessions are very exciting for the centre.

"We have not held any activity like this before and it's a great chance for youngsters to try something new as well as keep active while pedalling round the track."

Parents who had brought their kids along to try karting said they thought the sessions were a great idea.

Debra Lawton, aged 35, who lives in Tittensor, said: "I don't know of anywhere else in Stoke-on-Trent which has this kind of facility for this age group.

"I'll definitely be booking a go-karting party for my son's birthday. The kids are having a fantastic time and it's a good way to get them to do some exercise."

Admin worker Hayley Keeling from Meir Park brought her eight-year-old daughter Abigail to the go-karting session.

The 28-year-old said: "It's something that Abigail has never done before, so it's great for her to try something new.

"The staff have gone through all the safety side of using the go-karts. I just hope the kids listened to them.

"You never know, we may have the next Lewis Hamilton here."

Bookings for the sessions are being taken from August 2.

In addition to the go-karts Fenton Manor will soon be launching electronic dance mat sessions.

Recreation assistant Lisa Bailey told The Sentinel they will be able to cater for up to 24 kids for parties.

She said: "It's been quite exciting to launch the sessions. We've had to think about the track layout and a pit stop. We've also had to organise different activities using the go-karts as the children can get bored quite quickly just riding round the track."

Go-karting costs £7.50 per child for parties which includes a meal in the Riptide Cafe.

Casual weekend sessions cost £2.50 for 20 minutes and include a free drink.