FORMER Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell scaled new heights when he visited the Avon Tyrrell youth centre in the New Forest.

And the Grand Prix race ace, who took the world crown in 1992, was still king of the castle after beating his 16-year-old son Greg to the top of the 30ft climbing tower in the grounds of the residential activities centre near Bransgore.

But the descent was a white knuckle ride that brought tears to the eyes of the Birmingham-born hero, whose gritty track style won him legions of fans during his racing days.

Nigel was at Avon Tyrrell in his role as president of the UK Youth charity which runs the 50-acre complex in the grounds of the 110-year-old stately home.

With centre manager Louis Bonney, he toured the centre and joined youngsters from the Bishopstoke primary school in Southampton as they clambered over some of the apparatus in the woods or paddled their canoes on the boating lake.

"It is a fantastic place. We never had anything like this when I was young," enthused Nigel.

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to come here and see how the tens of thousands of children who come through here every year can enjoy themselves and learn in safety."

Nigel, who has been involved with UK Youth for many years and works closely with projects to help disadvantaged youngsters and young offenders, is planning a Lands End to John O'Groats cycle ride in a bid to raise £1 million for the charity's work, including replacing some of the ageing accommodation caravans at Avon Tyrrell.

And after touring the centre he popped in to Bournemouth bike shop Primera Cycles to be measured up for a bike ready for the end-to-end challenge in April.

First published: Oct 13