THE MOTORCYCLE sport world has been saddened to hear of the death of influential local figure, Julian Ford.

Mr Ford was Deputy Manager of Bumpy Ltd, a facility in Birstall which specialises in on and off road motorcycle training.

He was also chief officer of the Yorkshire Centre of the Auto Cycle Union, where he had been president for a two year term from 2011 to 2012, attending many events.

As president he held control of 19 motor cycle clubs, including Ilkley Motor Club, Horsforth Motor Club, Yeadon-Guiseley Motor Club, Wetherby Motor Club and Ripon Motor Club.

As well as being the chief officer his duties were to visit and monitor trials and ensure that all events were staged under strict rules regarding legality, safety and environmental aspects.

Mr Ford had been battling cancer over six months but as clerk of course supervised the Bumpy Ltd ACU National C and D Championship trial at Birstall in July.

In recent months he has been undergoing treatment, which did not control his illness. He had spells in Pinderfield Hospital and died in Kirkwood Hospice on Monday morning with his wife, Joanne, by his side.

Colleague, Dan Thorpe, said: "Jools was a legend."

He leaves his wife Joanne and children Jack, Grace, Toby, Andrew and Daniel.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 21 at St Peters Church, Birstall.