SPEEDSTER Will Stephenson is aiming to keep his foot on the gas and remain world number one in the high-octane sport of street luge.

The 24-year-old, from Clifton-on-Teme, has stormed to the top of the leaderboard after success in the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) World Cup.

Travelling just inches off the ground at upwards of 50mph on a five-foot skateboard, Stephenson has finished second, third and fifth in his last three races, two of which were in Australia and the other in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

He is now hoping to achieve enough points from three more races in the Czech Republic, Italy and France to keep hold of his ranking at the end of the 2012 series. There are 13 meetings on the calendar but rankings are calculated on the competitors’ best five results.

Stephenson, who has finished in the top five in each of the last three years, said: “It feels absolutely brilliant to be world number one.

“I am really hoping to hold on to the spot but I am also trying to build a training venue in the UK.”

That is hoped to be the Centre of Gravity on Berrows Farm, Martley, plans for which have been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

Stephenson added: “Although I am highly ranked, there is nowhere to go and train so I am trying to build a track.”