A seven-year-old motocross star may miss out on a winning season after thieves stole his bike.

Freddie Heather, of Lancing, looked set to win his club's summer championships, having been ahead of his rivals since April.

The youngster has lived and breathed motocross since taking up the sport about a year ago and finished champion of his age group at Mid Sussex Schoolboy Motocross Club in his first season.

But the youngster's dreams for this season were dashed when his £1,850 child-size Kawasaki KX65 competition bike was stolen from outside a repair shop in Lancing.

Freddie's mother, Helen, said: "We took the motorbike to get a puncture mended and while it was outside the workshop some lads came along and stole it.

"So now we have a champion with no bike.

"He won the winter season and has been leading all summer. Now there only two rounds to go but the first is in Ringmer this Sunday and unless he gets his bike back he won't be able to race."

Mrs Heather has rung everyone she can think of in the hope someone might be able to lend a bike - but to no avail.

She said: "It is terrible for Freddie. I just don't know what to say to him.

"I cannot believe it has happened. It is just so cruel. He is very upset and tearful."

Mrs Heather fears the stolen bike will simply be trashed by joyriders and abandoned because it is too small for an adult or teenager.

"The boys who took it looked about 16 to 18. I suppose they would be able to whizz around on it for a bit but they would look ridiculous because it is only a children's bike.

"It also has no gears, just an automatic clutch."

Mrs Heather is appealing for anyone who knows where the bike is or who could lend Freddie another one for Sunday's race to contact her on 01903 756492.

The bike is painted green with Chevy Trucks graphics and has Freddie's racing number, 13, on the side. When stolen, it had a punctured front tyre.

Sussex Police are also appealing for witnesses to the theft, which took place outside Motocross Racing Services in Chartwell Road, Lancing, at about 2pm on Wednesday.

Call 0845 6070999.