AN INSPIRATIONAL youngster with cerebral palsy, who gained widespread fame at last year's Castle Howard Triathlon, is returning for the 2016 race.

Smiling Bailey Matthews, nine, captured spectators' hearts when he abandoned his walking frame to cross the finish line unaided and undeterred by falling over.

Footage of him completing the race aged eight went viral online and led to Bailey receiving Pride of Britain and the BBC Helen Rollason Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Now the determined youngster, from Doncaster, will be back at the North Yorkshire event on Saturday, July 23, hoping to inspire others to #BeMoreBailey.

York Press:

Bailey Matthews at the 2015 Triathlon

His dad Jono Matthews said: “Bailey sees himself to be no different to others and just wants to give everything a go.

"He did exactly that at Castle Howard Triathlon and will be back to do more this year.

"The beauty of triathlon and the Castle Triathlon Series events are that they give access to all and that’s why the sport and these events are top of our calendar this year, all levels take part and no one is singled out.

"Training is in full flow and Bailey cant wait to take part.”

Reflecting on last year, Mr Matthews added: "We never doubted he would do it and it was fantastic nevertheless.

"It was his first one and it was something he wanted to do and it was a particularly tough course for him so the sense of achievement was massive.

"The biggest thing for Bailey and us as his family was the amazing reception he got when coming up to the finish line.

"The raw emotion of the spectators, marshals, the guy on the PA the other competitors' families was absolutely breathtaking.

"No one could hold back the tears and the lump in my throat was big enough to choke me."

The seventh Castle Howard Triathlon will see 2,000 people take part across eight different distances over the weekend of July 23 and 24.

Hundreds of children are expected to enter in Bailey's eight to 15 age group.

Brian Adcock, race director for the Castle Triathlon Series said: “We are delighted to welcome Bailey to our entire Castle Triathlon Series this year and we can’t wait to see that now-famous smile and example setting determination again.

"Bailey is an inspirational figure for many and a great example that sport is for everyone.”

For more information, visit www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk.