TWO promising young stars of the future have been given a helping hand up bike racing's ladder of success.

Accrington motorcycle dealer Keith Dixon has donated a racing bike each to Lance Cronshaw and Mark Cronshaw for the 2004 season.

And the pair, who are unrelated, are set to build on the success of 2003, which saw them earmarked as potential champions.

Mark, son of renowned classic bike racer John Cronshaw, from Crawshawbooth, will race a new Yamaha R6 in selected championships after finishing third overall in the New Era Superclub series.

Riding a Honda Hornet, Mark enjoyed a string of appearances on the podium, scoring three wins and eight second places.

The same machine will be ridden this year by Great Harwood youngster Lance Crownshaw, who will contest the one-make Honda Hornet Championship, which forms part of the Superclub series.

Under the guidance of former road race champion Tony Shaw and mentor Bob Wright, Lance was the sensation of the Honda CB500 championship last year, finishing third overall in only his first full season of racing.

"It's a way of giving something back to a sport which has given me great pleasure over the years," explained Keith, who still races in the Manx Classic TT.

"There's no pressure on them to win. They are obviously two very talented lads and it's satisfying to help them on their way ."