One of the last racing heroes at Brooklands who won an event at the famous circuit's last-ever meeting - before World War Two brought about its demise - has died aged 89, writes Yvonne Gordon.

Edward Frend, known as Ted, was cremated at Leatherhead on Tuesday, September 19.

Mr Frend lived in a house on St George's Hill Estate, within spitting distance of the old track where he moved after World War Two.

Friend, Roger Ward, said: "Ted was an enthusiastic member of the Brooklands Society, president of Streatham & district motor-cycle club and a member of West Byfleet Golf Club.

"He regularly rode his 550c Honda to the Cobham village club until ill-health made him hang up his helmet. He was an apprentice sheet metal worker when he got the motor-cycling bug and said acquiring a Vincent Rapide for £138 was the best buy and bike he ever had."

In June 1939, he won a three-lap race on the outer circuit at speeds of 110mph, where he won on a BSA Gold Star.

He spent the war years in reserved occupation as an engineer manufacturing aircraft parts, many of which were for machines built on Brooklands - his favourite track.

In 1947, he was fourth at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) motorcycle race. It was then he was invited to ride for AJS motorcycles, competing in international Grand Prix events against top riders including Les Graham and Geoff Duke.

Mr Ward added: "With his own business in Kingston providing aircraft and motor cycle parts, Ted cut back on his riding commitments and rode in his last TT in 1954.

"But speed was in his blood and as well as roaring around on his powerful bikes and Citroen Maserati car, he took up flying at the age of 70 and gained his pilot's licence."

His wife Kathleen pre-deceased him by ten years and the couple were childless.