showing several young boys racing on pedal cycles has sparked a flood of calls to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Sports Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon yesterday said she had received many calls from concerned parents over the story reporting her plans to organise an unofficial road racing championship.

Ms Gordon, who said she would like to meet race organisers to develop the activity, said the story did not report her intention to make sure any events were conducted with strict concern for the safety of the children.

Ms Gordon said she had given the interview without seeing the page one photograph showing a group of helmet-less boys hunkered over the handle bars of their bikes as they `ranged' down a hill.

"The problem was that I had not seen the picture,'' Ms Gordon said. "I said it would have been nice to make sure these races were covered from an organisational standpoint.

"But with today's traffic conditions, I would like to see an area that was closed off for a short while and that the racers have gloves, helmets and knee pads. I do not want to take away from the fun, but safety is important too.'' Ms Gordon said she wanted to make it clear that her Ministry does not condone or encourage poor road usage on the part of youth, but she added that it was up to adults to make sure that these races were carried out safely.

`HIGH-FLYING' BIKE RIDER TRIED TO ESCAPE A MOTORCYCLE POLICEMAN CTS `High-flying' bike rider tried to escape a motorcycle policeman A bike rider became "airborne'' during a high-speed attempt to escape a motorcycle cop.

He sped down a hill along Border Lane hitting 70-80 kph, Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

When he reached the Palmetto Road junction he jumped the road.

Pedestrians had to spring out of the way, prosecutor Sgt. Ken James said.

Sean R. Tucker, 27, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop for Police, driving while disqualified and speeding at 81 kph.

The Broken Hill, Smith's Parish, resident said he had not known he was disqualified. He had even bought a second-hand car and was getting it ready for the road, although he did not yet have a licence.

He denied going as fast as Police said.

He said he had three children, with two on the way, and was trying to turn his life around. Senior magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined him $1,200 and took him off the road for two years.

POLICE WANT HELP FROM CHILDREN CONCERNING SANDYS SCHOOL FIRE CRM Police want help from children concerning Sandys School Several children may throw light on the $60,000 Sandys Secondary School arson attack.

Police said the youngsters were seen near the school around 11 p.m. on Monday.

Said Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning: "The children are not suspected of any wrong doing but may have some vital information that could help the investigation.'' The blaze -- which started at around 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday -- gutted the school's staff room.

P.c. Venning said witnesses should contact Det. Con. Tracy Adams at Somerset CID on 234-1010.

Children are not expected back at the school until next week.

JAZZ SINGER DENIES HEROIN CHARGE CTS Jazz singer denies heroin charge Jazz singer June Ventzos, said to be the Island's highest-paid entertainer, appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday on drug charges. She denied possessing heroin and drug equipment.

It is alleged that Ventzos, 34, of Stadium Heights, Devonshire, had the drug on November 29 with a straw for drug use. She is also charged with having two cut straws and a piece of foil for drug use on June 2.

A trial was set down for May 5. Ventzos is on bail, represented by Mr. Richard Hector. She regularly appears at Elbow Beach hotel and is the featured artist on the new Bermuda Christmas Collection CD.