A MEMORIAL in memory of a champion British inter-war motorcycle racer has been unveiled in a hamlet near Kirkbride.

Walter Handley is best-known for his four wins at the Isle of Man TT Races.

He died in a World War Two aircraft accident while serving as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary.

The memorial that was unveiled on November 15 in his memory was paid for and erected by the BSA Gold Star and Rocket Gold Star Owners’ Club, a group dedicated to the preservation, maintenance and enjoyment of the classic BSA Gold Star and Rocket Gold Star Motorcycles.

Speaking at the unveiling, ex-chairman of the club Ron May said: “Wal has had many successes in races.

“He was European champion on three occasions.

“He was the first to have two memorials dedicated to him on the Isle on Man.

“The memorial is unveiled today as a tribute to him and his racing career and his work in the air transport auxiliary at Kirkbride.

“He was killed on a flight from Kirkbride airfield on November 15, 1941.”

The memorial is a large piece of slate engraved with his name and his biggest achievements, including being the Brooklands Gold Star winner in 1937.