CALLUM Barber has set his sights on being as big as one of his breath-taking jumps in the world of motocross - and he has the full support of his family.

For while other families may enjoy spending their weekends on more leisurely pursuits, the Barber household follow young Callum chasing his dream.

The 10-year-old from Great Harwood, who likes nothing more than launching himself 30ft in the air on motocross circuits across the North West, has just secured a place at one of the top academies in the country.

And Team Barber have been with him every step of the way.

"Supporting Callum is a real family affair," said dad Mark who bought his son his first motorbike when he was six-years-old.

"While other families go camping we go to motocross competitons up and down the country.

"It is something we do as a family and we all enjoy mucking in."

Team Barber consists of mum and dad Mark and Jill and also Callum's younger brothers Liam, eight, and four-year-old Connor - all of whom have enjoyed the thrills and spills on the back of a bike.

"Liam does a bit of motocross and even Connor has had a go on a bike," added Mark whose own background is motorbike racing.

"But I have to admit he is like a pea on a drum!"

Jill has also shown her talents on two wheels after finishing third in a mum's race at a recent meeting at the Newton le Willows club.

"Jill was chuffed but it is a bit of a nightmare because she is always disappearing off on the bike!"

Mark is full of admiration for his son and admits you have to be brave to succeed in motocross.

"I've ridden around the Isle of Man circuit at more than 100mph but I still think was what Callum does takes a lot more bottle.

"But he is very good at it and has attracted a lot of attention from people in the sport."

Despite the support, Mark and Jill are far from pushy parents and they know that school comes before his love of riding.

"If Callum turned around tomorrow and said he didn't want to to it anymore then that would be fine. He knows school work comes first and we are all realistic enough to know that nothing may come out of this.

"He is talented but we drill it in to him that competing and enjoying himself is far more important that having a win at all costs attitude."

But Mark and Jill have taught him well, so much so that Callum has quickly picked up a reputation of being a little sportsman.

"Some of the people we meet while racing say Callum is like an old man. He loves to chat to people, is very polite and makes them laugh."

Callum certainly made a lasting impression at the Alex Rach Academy of Training where he has just been offered a place.

Mark said: "The coaching team there was taken aback by how stylish and smooth Callum is on the back of a bike. There a lot of youngsters who are faster but are very erratic. That is when you can get injured."

Callum has just finished his second season in the junior 65cc class on his KTM.

He has won one championship with Monster MX and also finished second in the Newton le Willows Motocross Championship. One of his prizes was a two day training course with IMX at Finningley Moto Cross Park in Doncaster - where he was handed another two day training course for 2007 as the most improved rider.

Since then he has won a place in the Alex Rach Academy Of Training to coach Motocross techniques and to develop further more sportsmanship in the sport.

Mark added: "Callum would love to make a career out of motocross and getting on this academy is a significant achievement for him. It takes a lot of skill, a bit of luck and the backing of someone like Alex Rach to make it in this sport. But so far, Callum is moving in the right direction."

Callum can also call on the support of Monster MX, IMX and One1 1MX for providing his racing gear for the forth coming 2007 season.

Mark added: "We would also like to thank Mandie and Steve Johnson from Fylde Coast Racing and Colin Carefoot for all their help and support throughout the recent season."

Next year will be Callum's last at 65cc before moving up to 85cc and Mark knows that securing a sportmanship deal is vital to reach the next stage.

Until then, the Barber family will continue to spend their weekend's on the motocross circuit - for as far as they are concerned it beats camping any day!