Young racing driver Thomas Merritt used his profile to raise awareness of the lifesaving work of Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).

Along with fellow pupils from Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood, Merritt, 15, took part in a ‘Wear Red’ day in return for a donation to the charity.

Along with his parents, Jamie and Lucy, he has a very personal link to KSS.

In May 1998, his grandmother was involved in a serious road accident and required the specialist care of KSS before being airlifted to hospital.

Merritt, from Kings Hill, said: “Although I love motor racing, I am aware of the dangers of driving fast on the roads.

“I’m delighted to be able to help raise awareness of this incredible charity and the fantastic lifesaving work they do. Because of the care KSS provided for my grandmother the charity is very special to my family.”

Nick Turrell, head of community fundraising at KSS said: “We’re so grateful to Thomas and all the students and staff at Mascalls Academy for getting behind Wear Red so enthusiastically.

“As an independent charity it’s thanks to support like this that we can reach people when they need us most.

“It costs £56K a day to run our lifesaving service, and most of that is funded by our communities.”

Merritt is again competing in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship, with Race Car Consultants, following a successful first season which saw him finish third in the Rookie Championship.

The opening round takes place at Snetterton this weekend, while the final race is at Brands Hatch on October 25-26, as part of the Formula Ford Festival.

Merritt has been testing at various circuits across the UK, as well as spending time in the simulator at SIM Motorsport, where he is an ambassador.