Maria Ruberto is celebrating another karting title following a successful step up in class.

The Gravesend schoolgirl has been been crowned Honda cadet champion at Bayford Meadows in Sittingbourne following a nine-round series.

She moved up after landing four championships in two years in the bambino class.

Ruberto - the only girl in the field - was straight on to race pace in a faster, more competitive category, building a solid foundation of points.

The only blip in the early stages was a round-three crash which saw Ruberto having to make her way from 11th place to finish second in the final, defying a bent chassis and a sore wrist.

She achieved a clean sweep - victory in both heats and the final - three times and received her trophy on the final day of the season.

“We would like to express our thanks to all the staff, marshals and scrutineers at Bayford Meadows, who have always been very supportive of Maria since she started at the track aged six,” said mum Jo.

“This season has seen Maria’s driving and racecraft develop exponentially, showing improved confidence both on and off the track.

“Next year will see yet another new challenge, as Motorsport UK have announced sweeping changes to the kart classes for her age category, seeing Maria take on yet another, faster, more competitive class.

“She has her sights sets on both racing in the UK and Europe.”