A RAMSBOTTOM schoolgirl is set to compete on the world stage after qualifying for the BMX World Championships.

Erin Jackson, aged 10, will go up against youngsters from across the globe next summer after qualifying for the competition.

She earned her spot after her performances in races across the country saw her finish in the top 15 riders of her age group.

The achievement is all the more special due to the fact that Erin, who lives in Bury New Road, and is a pupil at Peel Brow School, only started racing three years ago.

Her mum Karan said: “Four weeks after she learned how to ride her bike, we took her down to Queen’s Park in Heywood to Roch Valley Raiders.

“We did not realise there was a session on, and a coach invited her to have a go. She has never looked back.”

At first, Erin rode as a ‘novice’, before progressing to the expert category. And, after competing at races across the region, she finished top in her age group.

She now races for Pendle Panthers BMX Club and trains there once a week, as well as at the National Cycling Centre, in Manchester.

Erin has also managed to qualify for the European BMX Championships, in Latvia, however, as the two competitions are just days apart, she plans on channelling her efforts for the World Championships..

“She has worked really hard for this and is really excited,” said Karan.