A young racing driver has got the backing of a celebrity car fan thanks to a chance meeting down a country lane.

John Gale was taking a 1927 Bentley for a test drive after restoring the vintage car. He stopped at the side of the road and another driver - in a Aston Martin convertible - pulled up alongside him. It was musician Jools Holland who has a passion for classic cars.

The pair kept in touch and Jools has become a keen follower of John's son Daniel who has been racing karts since he was seven.

Daniel has gone on to achieve many podiums and wins in Britain and across Europe. He has now progressed to cars and became the Ginetta Junior rookie champion at Brands Hatch in his first season of car racing aged 14.

Jools will be supporting Daniel, who is studying to be an electrician alongside his racing, when he takes on a challenge to raise money for Demelza children's hospice next year.

The 16-year-old did his first endurance fundraiser for the charity in 2017, completing 500 laps of Bayford Meadows track in Sittingbourne in his kart.

He is taking to the track once more - and this time will complete the 500 laps in both his kart and his Ginetta G40 race car which is emblazoned with Jools Holland's name to show his support.

Dad John, from Wigmore, said: "Jools is a lovely guy who has been behind Daniel all the way.

"It was just a chance meeting all those years ago, it was like it was meant to be."

He added: "Jools is hoping to come along to Bayford Meadows on the day."

The challenge is set for February. Before then, Daniel is hoping to get some backing from local businesses to reach his fundraising target.

He previously raised £2,500 for Demelza, but this time is aiming much higher.

John said: "It would be great to get to £10,000."

Jools is not the only famous name to be involved in Daniel's career. The MidKent College student has been coached by Rob Wilson, who has trained Formula 1 stars including Jenson Button.

While racing in Italy, Daniel was also given advice by Formula 1's Jarno Trulli and met Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello.

John said: "Daniel has met some amazing people."

Daniel has wanted to raise money for Demelza after seeing a sign for the hospice when he was younger and being told what it was.

John said: "When I told him it was a place where children go to die he was very upset.”

From that moment the former Howard School pupil vowed to support the charity, especially if he fulfils his ambition to become a professional racer.

Businesses wishing to sponsor Daniel for his next challenge can email office@prestigepanelcraft.co.uk or call John on 07962301730.

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