LAZY peddling down country lanes is out of the question for one Malvern teenager, who cycles over railings, rocks and walls.

Michael Singleton, 16, of Jamaica Crescent, is a devotee of Biketrials and has just won a sponsorship deal to pursue the sport he loves.

Trials involve controlling specially-designed lightweight bicycles over obstacles such as rocks, logs, walls and railings - anything that someone unfamiliar with the sport would not dream of riding a bike on.

It requires great strength and muscle control and the results can look truly spectacular.

One of Michael's most daring tricks to date was to jump from the edge of Bristol Harbour to a float in the water below.

Now thanks to the support of Malvern business, Leonard Simmonds Associates, a world of possibilities are open to him.

Trials is regarded as the most technically demanding of all cycling disciplines.

It takes effort to succeed and Michael spends most weekends and usually two nights a week riding.

However, dedication is easier when you enjoy what you do, and Michael gets a buzz out of trials.

"I love the adrenaline rush of nailing a move," he said. "I also enjoy the social aspect, meeting new people and going to different places."

Michael has been doing trials for more than three years, following a chance meeting with some existing riders.

He says there are now four riders in Malvern, with another fifteen in the Worcester area.

Its popularity is growing rapidly, in spite of a lack of places for riders to practice.

Michael has asked Malvern Hills District Council for a practice area, but nothing has ever come of it.

"The difficulty is the cost when set against the limited number of trials riders," he explained.

You are most likely to find them perfecting their technique on remote hillsides littered with boulders, or in urban areas with plenty of walls and railings.

This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Michael though, as he practised on handrails in Church Street, Great Malvern.

"There I was on my bicycle, jumping from one hand rail to another when my heart sank," said Michael. "I saw a man stride out of his office towards me and I prepared to be moved on as usual".

Michael got the surprise of his life, however, when the man instead asked if he was sponsored.

The resulting deal will enable him to enter more competitions, which routinely involve a great deal of travelling.

Richard Simmonds, of Leonard Simmonds Associa-tes, said: "We like to sponsor local sports in the community".

"Michael's an extraordinary talent and we wanted to help him along his way."

One of Michael's proudest moments came when he competed in a tournament at Bouthiers, France.

In a contest regarded as the best in the world, he was placed 30th of 150 riders in his category.

He also got to see some world stars first hand, which fuelled his aspirations to go as far as possible in the sport.

"I'd love to one day be involved in the sport as a professional", he said. "If I'm not making money from riding then I'd like a career associated with the sport".

4 Man and machine in perfect harmony: Michael Singleton in action. Picture by Charles Taylor. 43792201/2