SPEEDWAY star Norman Hargreaves died this week, he was 90 years of age.

Norman 'Gus' Hargreaves was one of the top riders of his age, taking the sport by storm in the 1930's, 40's and 50's, but his career was interrupted by the war.

His interest in motorsport began with the early years of scrambling and grass track racing, and his expertise saw him snapped up to ride for Workington before the war.

The entire Cumbrian team then transferred to Newcastle and he planned to marry his childhood sweetheart Molly on the track. But when the war intervened they switched the wedding to Ingrow St John's church.

Norman joined the army and his motorcyling expertise was put to use as a despatch rider in the Far East.

He later returned to the sport with Wigan and captained the Fleetwood Flyers.

He beat all the top riders of his era, setting new track record at Birmingham in 1948 beating Aussie international Graham Warren. He also took the scalps of Australians Jack Young and Aub Lawson who are still regarded as among the all time greats of the sport.

Mr Hargreaves celebrated his 90th birthday last October and died in Airedale Hospital on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife, son Peter, daughter Jean and several grandchildren.

A funeral service is to take place on Monday at Lees Methodist Church at 1pm prior to burial at Haworth Cemetery.