MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts have paid tribute to a Grove man and "passionate" speedway fan who was killed while racing at an event at the weekend.

David Durham, from Grove, died on Sunday while competing in the Midlands Centre Championships at Offerton, in Hindlip, near Worcester.

About 500 people watched as the 28-year-old fell off his bike, crashed into a fence on the second bend of the course and was fatally injured.

Jayne Higgins, secretary of the Worcester Grass Track Club, said Mr Durham's parents were among the spectators at the event.

She said: "This was a tragic accident and a very sad loss. David was a competitor who raced all over the country.

"We are all deeply upset by what happened."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to the incident shortly after 1.30pm following reports a motorcyclist had come off the track and crashed into a fence.

It is not thought any other riders were involved in the incident.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and a doctor were called to the scene, where a paramedic who was at the event had already started treatment.

The man was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, but despite all their efforts, they were unable to save his life.

The event, which had attracted 100 competitors from around the country, was abandoned following the incident.

A family spokesman said: "David has always been a passionate supporter of Oxford speedway which lead to his taking up grasstrack racing.

"He was a popular member of the grasstrack community and will be remembered with much love and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him."

Mr Durham regularly attended Oxford Cheetahs speedway events and fans said he would "sadly missed" on the terraces.

Grass track racing is similar to speedway, but on a much larger track. A lot more racers can take part in an event.

John Lightfoot, secretary of the North Berks Motor Cycle Club, praised the rider's commitment to the sport.

He said: "I met him a few years ago when he was interested in riding grasstrack and he came across as a courteous young man.

"Though not a world beater, but a real trier and his turn out was meticulous. He will be sadly missed by the grasstrack fraternity."