A CHAMPION trials biker from Haworth has paid a personal tribute to the work of a Keighley-based charity in a new promotional film for the organisation.

Jack Carthy attended the Joint Activities and Motor Education Service Project. (JAMES) He had left school when he was 15.

The education charity has its Keighley premises at the junction of Queens Road and South Street, and uses vehicle-based training and a variety of alternative education programmes to give young people fresh purpose in their lives.

In the short film, which JAMES, will be releasing on its own social media channels, Jack is shown displaying his trials biking skills in Keighley town centre, and explaining how he had a difficult time at school.

“I didn’t like school because I was no good at it really,” he said.

“I used to struggle with reading, but the teacher always used to pick me to read out and I thought, ‘well I can’t read so I’m not doing it.’”

He said the welcoming environment at the Keighley JAMES garage had been a completely different experience, giving him the positive boost he needed.

“At school it was like ‘yes sir, yes miss’, but when I came to JAMES it was like you were talking to your friends,” he said. “They were genuinely interested. That’s the best way to say it.

“I got a lot of life skills while I was there. As I was hanging around with grown ups it was a lot like working in an actual job. And they were always very supportive of my cycling.”

Mr Carthy, who is now 21, is a professional cyclist and a seven times trials bike world champion.

He attended JAMES sessions for at least three years, going twice a week to the Keighley garage.

He said the charity had played a vital role in improving his self-confidence.

“If you start at the bottom you can work your way up higher than the person who’s got qualifications,” he said.

“You have to learn to be confident in yourself and not think ‘I was no good at school, so I’m no good at life.’”

He said he felt honoured to be shown in the short film, adding that he enjoyed taking part in its production.

Anna Shepherd, development manager at the charity, said: “I think the film is fantastic. It showcases what this local young person, Jack, has achieved as well as the work we do at JAMES where we see the potential in everyone.”

She said the filming, which was done over one day in Keighley earlier this year, had reunited Mr Carthy with former JAMES Keighley base leader Len Wright, who had worked with Mr Carthy when he attended his sessions at the charity four years ago.

Mr Wright has now retired, but he returned to feature in the film alongside his old student.

Mr Wright said “I knew Jack was going to be good, he had so much potential.

“He was never late and never refused any task I asked him to do. As time went on I got him to help other young people. He got on with everyone and I am so proud of how far he’s come.

“It was great to do the filming, as I’ve not seem him for a few years since he was at the project.”

People can visit jas-bmep.org.uk/ to find out more about JAMES and the support it offers.