A DAREDEVIL schoolgirl hailed Europe’s best female rider is celebrating after winning a triple victory.

Grace Richards, from Widnes, has been named the British Girls National Champion for the third year running.

The achievement is all the more remarkable as this is the first season the 12-year-old has started competing on a bigger 85cc bike.

The Wade Deacon High School pupil is making a big name for herself in the world of motocross.

In France last year she was the fastest girl in the European championship.

Her mum Joanne, Joanne, 34, of Haig Road, said: “She is tiny but she has got real natural skill on a bike.

“She was the only girl competing in a championship against the boys. There were six rounds all round the north west and she came second overall.

“She is doing fantastically well. The boys think she is the coolest thing.

“They admire her, they are not at all envious.”

Grace’s incredible agility on two wheels started when she jumped on her first bike at the age of two.

Her dad, Ian, 39, who has his own shop fitting business, took her out on a motocross bike when she was eight.

Since then she has enjoyed incredible success.

“She recently entered the Perellio British Championship against boys and finished seventh overall in the season, said Joanne, who works in internet marketing.

“We are really made up with her. She doesn’t have training by anyone. Her dad takes her out riding every week.

“She is really dedicated but we make sure school comes first.

“Maths is her favourite and she loves art and design technology.”

Wade Deacon head teacher Simon Corner rides bikes, she said, and is very supportive.

Safety is paramount as all racing courses are strictly regulated and no-one can compete without a licence.

“There are loads of risks but Grace always wears full body protection,” added Joanne. “It is very expensive. It is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.

“She has lots of friends and they all support each other. There is a great family atmosphere.

“We don’t put any pressure on her as long as she is having fun and enjoying herself.

“It’s much better letting kids be kids and climb trees rather than being stuck on the sofa with their Xbox.”

Grace competes across the UK and Europe.