Tributes are being paid to a former Gloucester firefighter and motorbike racer.
George Ridgeon from Churchdown passed away on Saturday.
He was involved with the Southern 100 Road Races on the Isle of Man for a period of ten years, until an accident whilst performing his duties as a member of the Fire & Rescue Service, resulted in him being wheelchair bound for the remainder of his life.
George made his racing debut at the Southern 100 in 1972, riding a 250cc Greeves he finished 13th in the Lightweight race.
The then fireman returned each year up to and including 1981in a total of 19 races, with varying degrees of success.
George was a larger than life character, who lived life to the full, despite his disability and had recently completed a lifelong ambition to write his autobiography, which he publicised via social media, despite being confined to his bed.
He also stood for the Monster Raving Loony Party as a candidate in Gloucester several times.