Paul revs up

Paul Johnston, a bricklayer from the township, will be competing in the VET Motocross Of Nations at Farleigh Castle in Bath this weekend.
Chosen to ride for Team Scotland, Paul will be competing with some of the best from around the world such as Team USA and Team Belgium.
He will be riding an L and B 1989 250cc Honda bike.
Paul said: “This race is a big deal. It is like the world cup of motocross.”
The competitors will compete in six races over the weekend, with support races coming in between.
In total there will be over 480 riders.
Paul has been racing since the age of six, and has slowly been building up success in the sport.
He said: “It is a great achievement. I will be racing against riders who have been World Champions, British Champions and riders I have idolised through my racing career.”
This race season has seen Paul compete most weekends, travelling up and down the UK and as far afield as the Republic of Ireland.
This race will be tinged with sadness, however, following the death this year of his grandfather, Frank Thorburn.
Without Frank’s help in the early stages Paul says he would not be where he is in the sport, and he will be riding in memory of his late grandfather.
Continuing the involvement of his family, Paul will be accompanied by his mother Janice, father Jim and his brother Steve who mechanics for him.
Looking ahead, Paul is hoping to step up his racing by competing in European rounds in 2017.