Dreams have become reality for a nine-year-old - thanks to the support of businesses locally.

With the popular Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club powerboat racing season in full swing, a family tradition is continuing with nine-year-old Tate Mantripp taking to the water for his debut race season at Oulton Broad.

Eastern Daily Press: Tate Mantripp. Picture: The Mantripp familyTate Mantripp. Picture: The Mantripp family (Image: The Mantripp family)

Competing in the GT15 class, open to nine to 16-year-olds, his proud parents Simon, 47, and Nikki, 36, have closely watched his progress.

The family roots include dad Simon and his cousin Jason Mantripp forming their OSY team many years ago after following the sport throughout their own childhood with their dads.

Eastern Daily Press: Tate Mantripp with his dad Simon, left, and cousin Jason.Tate Mantripp with his dad Simon, left, and cousin Jason. (Image: The Mantripp family)

Another cousin, Peter Mantripp, is the club commodore with a successful racing history of his own - while Peter’s son Thomas, now 22, has also progressed through the racing classes. 

Tate’s uncle, Ricky Gibbs, has provided the youngster with a wealth of advice having raced in the GT class.

Mum Nikki, a chartered accountant from Carlton Colville, who works at Kingsley Healthcare in Lowestoft as group financial controller, said: "Tate has wanted to get on the water since the day he could talk, he has been counting down the years ever since.

"He is a huge fan of the sport and we are incredibly proud to see him out on the water doing something he loves.

"The initial cost to get us up and running has been a huge investment and we are grateful to Kingsley Home Care, JME Ltd, BFS Enterprise (Fabrications) Limited and MCH Landscaping for sponsoring him and helping us to get Tate out on the water. 

"It's rewarding to see local businesses supporting children to pursue their dreams.

"Tate achieved a second-place finish in only his third race out and some of the top racers have told us he shows real talent."

Tate, a Carlton Colville Primary School pupil, said: "When I achieved second place after a club meeting, I had to stand up in assembly to show my trophy to the rest of the school."

LOBMBC will be hosting the World Championship for both the GT15 and the OSY class on July 22/23.