A SILSDEN boy "obsessed with wheels" has enjoyed a very successful season competing in pushbike trials across the UK and Europe.

Nine-year-old Josh McParland, who attends Bradleys Both Primary School, is a member of the Yorkshire-based Tyke Trial Club and has been taking part in national, European and world competitions.

"Right from being a baby, he's been obsessed with anything with wheels on it," said Josh's dad Tim McParland. "Josh started life on a balance bike before the age of two, and he's struggled to put a bike down since. Come rain or shine, he's always out on his bike."

Mr McParland, who was involved in both pushbike and motorbike trials, helped to guide Josh in the right direction but the talented youngster is driven to continually better himself in both sports, which have similar skill sets.

In addition to being British champion in motorbike trials for his age group, Josh has had a lot of success in pushbike trials this year.

Competing in the Poussin Class for seven to nine year olds, Josh started his season with a win in the first round of the BIU European Cup in Rosignano Solvay, Italy, on May 2.

He followed that up with a second place in the European BikeTrial Championship in Brezova, Czech Republic, on May 23.

Josh then maintained his championship lead by finishing runner-up in the second round of the European Cup in Rudina, Slovakia, on June 6.

Then on June 21, Josh took first place in the British BIU BikeTrial Championship at Bracken Rocks in Derbyshire, which was the first time the competition had been held in the UK for many years.

Josh rounded off a successful European Cup series by winning the final round in Sonico, Italy, on July 5, thereby securing his first ever international title.

This week, Josh is in Odena, Spain, competing in the BIU World Championships.

"It's been great to see him evolve on his own ability," said Mr McParland. "Josh is totally driven himself and is extremely competitive, but he still has fun with it. It goes with out saying that I'm very proud of his achievements."