AN oversized programme cover from a world speedway final will form part of a fundraising night in aid of former Bradford Dukes star Gary Havelock.

Bradford Museums and Galleries has donated the large roller blind that was part of the 2015 speedway exhibition at Bradford Industrial Museum.

Speedway started in the city in 1945 and was popular at its Odsal Stadium home until 1997.

The programme cover is from the 1992 World Individual Final that Havelock won in Wroclaw, Poland, while representing the Dukes.

Speedway fan John Murphy, of Buttershaw, said: "It must be the biggest-ever programme cover and is taken from the original programme for the 1992 final in Wroclaw.

"It really is a very special artefact to remember that glorious day when Gary became the only Bradford rider to become World Champion whilst representing the club. And it can be yours!

"Gary had to retire from speedway in 2012 after a serious crash at Redcar. One of his arms suffered significant damage and, just prior to Christmas, surgeons in Leeds elected to operate, but to no avail. Not only did the transplant of nerve tissue from his thigh into his arm fail to take - Gary suffered serious infection to the donor area as a result."

Mr Murphy added: "Irrespective of the sport being speedway, for ten years Gary gave much to Bradford sport. No other home rider has ridden in more matches or scored more points than Havvy. He represented his country at every discipline - individual, pairs, team and became England captain. And in 1992 he provided something very special - bringing a world championship from professional sport back to Bradford.

"He has earned his place amongst the sporting elite of this city, and in the history of Bradford sport."

If anyone is interested in bidding for the roller blind they can email Mr Murphy on murphyj241@gmail.com and he will pass it forward to the fundraising night's organiser.

The event, which includes disco, karaoke and the auction, is on February 18 at the Central Hotel in Middlesbrough. Tickets, priced £5, are available from Brian Havelock on 07889 886389. Donations can be made to a bank account with the sort code 52-10-20 and account number 11159979.