A 57-year-old mum and her 12-year-old son will be competing for Britain in the BMX biking world championships in Belgium next month.

Carol Taylor and Josh Werner, of Beacon Road, Herne Bay, have been gearing up for the event to be held in Zolder from July 21 to July 25.

It will be the latest in a number of competitions for the pair, who have become hooked on the extreme sport and have been soaring up the rankings.

Former Briary school pupil Josh, who is now educated at home, says he hopes to become a professional after reaching 12th place in the UK rankings.

He said: “I’ve been riding a BMX for about seven years. We found the track up at Broomfield and decided to get a bike and have a go. I like the atmosphere of it, it’s lots of fun.

“I went to the British championships last year and came fifth, so I’m excited about the world championships in Belgium.”

Josh has been inspired by riders like 2013 world champ Liam Phillips, and says he could one day compete in the Olympic Games.

He spends three nights a week either at the Broomfield BMX track or at tracks in Gravesend and in Peckham. So far Josh has not suffered any major mishaps.

Carol admits: “At first Josh was doing fun runs around the track like all the other little kids do. When he started jumping there were times I wasn’t able to watch. But now I’m confident in his ability as a rider.”

It was after being invited to take part in a parents’ ride at Hersden that she came to enjoy the thrills. She is now one of the oldest competitors to take part on the world stage.

Carol said: “I was 52 when I started. It was the encouragement of the others who helped me. As far as I know I’m the oldest lady in the UK with a BMX licence.

“I feel proud that I’m able to do something like this at the age of 57. I want to go to Zolder because it might be the last chance I get to wear a GB shirt and represent my country.”

It will be the first time Carol has competed at the world championship, while for Josh it will be the third time.

After her own battles with depression over the last 30 years she is riding to raise awareness and money for the charity Mind.

To find out more about supporting the charity search for TeamMindBMX on Facebook or visit www.mind.org.uk.