MALACHI Mitchell-Thomas announced himself on the motorcycling stage with a top-half finish in the British Superbikes Superstock 600 championships.

And the Horwich teenager finished on a high with an impressive ninth place in the final round at Brands Hatch.

Silicone Engineering rider Mitchell-Thomas has proven himself a strong contender in the class in his inaugural season, proving a handful for older more experienced rivals.

He has gone from strength to strength throughout the 12 rounds on some of Britain's most famous tracks, gaining experience which could prove vital when he returns for another season in the same class next year.

He final position of 17th out of 40 racers in the competition was despite failing to finish in some races and he showed his talent by regularly featuring in and around the head of the field in many outings.

After initial issues with his bike in the early qualifying session, the 18-year-old showed his potential by coming home in a well deserved second position in second qualifying.

The grid positions for the race had already been determined by the times set in the first qualifying session, however, due to it being the dry session.

This saw Mitchell-Thomas on row five in 13th on the grid which he quickly improved to 11th, then 10th and finally ninth in a highly competitive class to earn seven points to add to his season total of 37 points.

" I am happy to get a decent finish at the last round of the year, however technical problems in qualifying and in the race did not make it easy for me," he said.

"I have gained valuable knowledge this year and now I am really looking forward to the 2015 season."