A North Yorkshire student will represent Great Britain at one of the world's most prestigious rally car competitions.

Oliver Marshall, 19, will compete in the F2 class of the two-day Dubai International Rally next week.

It is the first opportunity for the driver, originally from Stillingfleet, to impress on a world stage.

The chance to travel to the United Arab Emirates came about after a suggestion from his boss at the Rallydrive driving school based at Blyton Park, Lincolnshire.

Oliver said: "Howard Peterson suggested that I enter the competition. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn't miss it for anything."

He will compete in Dubai having gained his International Licence after completing a gruelling series of races since the start of the year.

The 30 stages of the prestigious event, all 11 miles each, will be driven on sandy terrain over 48 hours, beginning on Tuesday.

Oliver was due to fly out to Dubai today well ahead of the race date, as being in the country a few days before the competition will be crucial to his chances of winning.

"The practise time before the race will be essential and it will give me a good indication of the conditions," explained Oliver.

Oliver, who studies Biology at the University of York, started driving at the age of three when he received his first motorbike and since then has not looked back.