A GLASGOW man whose life story has been made into a Hollywood film has been named an ambassador for the charity Adoption UK.

John Buultjens was adopted as a child and has been selected to represent the charity after he overcame a tough upbringing in the city's Drumchapel to become a BMX superstar.

We previously reported that the 45-year-old's life story has been made into the movie Ride starring Ludacris, which is out later this year.

John went from an abused child who had a tough upbringing to a BMX superstar admired by riders all over the world.

He was adopted in the 1970s by bi-racial couple Eldridge and Marianna Buultjens, who he considers his parents today.

John, who also wrote an account of his life in the book Ride with Glaswegian author Chris Sweeney, said: "I’m honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for Adoption UK and I’m so proud to be working with this amazing organisation.

"I know what a fantastic job adoptive parents do for their children and I owe everything to my adoptive parents – they are my role models. It means everything to me that I can make them so proud today."

He added: "When I wrote my book I wanted to inspire adopted children but it’s great to hear that I can also inspire parents of these children, and remind them of what their kids can achieve."

Adoption UK is a leading charity providing support, awareness and understanding for those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK’s director in Scotland, said: "Many of our members’ children have had challenging early experiences similar to John’s. He is a fantastic example of adverse early experiences not limiting your life’s outcomes. His acknowledgement of his parents’ role in helping him to achieve all he has is testament to the positive role adoption can have in children’s lives. He understands the issues adoptive families face today, and so will be a fantastic representative for Adoption UK and adopted young people in Scotland. We are delighted to have him on board."