Motorbike enthusiasts have paid tribute to a Grove man and "passionate" speedway fan who was killed while racing at an event on Sunday.

David Durham was fatally injured at the Midlands Centre Championships at Offerton, in Hindlip, near Worcester.

Around 500 people watched as the 28-year-old fell off his bike and crashed into a fence on the race course.

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 crashed into a fence.

No other riders were thought to have been involved in the incident.

A rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and a doctor rushed to the scene, where a paramedic attending the event had started treatment.

The former King Alfred's School pupil was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but staff were unable to save him.

The event, attended by 100 competitors from around the country, was abandoned following the incident.

His family said: "David was a popular member of the grasstrack community and and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him."

Mr Durham, who worked for construction firm Amey, had taken part in the British Masters tournament earlier this year and had been Swindon grasstrack champion twice in his career.

He also regularly attended Oxford Cheetahs speedway events, which led him to take up Grasstrack.

Grasstrack racing is similar to speedway, but on a larger track with more competitors in an event.

John Lightfoot, secretary of the North Berks Motor Cycle Club, said: "I met him a few years ago when he was interested in riding grasstrack and he came across as a courteous young man.

"He was not a world beater, but a real trier. He will be sadly missed by the grasstrack fraternity."