A YOUNG model car racing enthusiast had a chance to meet her hero in the flesh when he came along to open her dad's new model shop.

At nine years old Kristy Rosenberg is one of the youngest professional model car racers in the country, but is already ranked 54th in the country for all age groups.

On Saturday, British touring car champion Craig Drescher, opened the new PL Modelsport shop in Wharton Road.

Dad Paul said: "She has seen him in all the magazines and she has been to watch him on the tracks, but she has never had a chance to speak to him so she thought it was brilliant."

PL Modelsport started as a mail order business, but has continued to grow and has supplies for professional drivers and novices alike.

The shop was packed for the opening and Paul is hoping the increasing popularity of the sport will mean his business can go from strength to strength.

Paul said: "The sport has been going on for a long time, but over the last few years it has grown phenomenally."

PL Modelsport also has a warehouse and workshop, and as well as stocking model cars for racing it sells bikes, die cast models and other collectables.

For more information on PL Modelsport ring 01606 860066.