An inspirational British cyclist and original "skid kid" who made cycle tracks from bomb sites during WW2 has died at the age of 86.

Pioneering Leonard Finch was killed while riding in Great Waldingfield, Suffolk, when he collided with a lorry on his bike.

Leonard originally helped to form cycle speedway sport after finding the use of crumbling bomb sites from WW2.

Mr Finch, who was known as Len, grew up in wartime Walthamstow, north-east London, and started cycle speedway racing at the age of 16 in 1946.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Hundreds of people would turn out to watch Leonard amongst other "skid kids" to race for the new hottest sport in the 1950s - cycle speedway.

Legendary Len, carried on competing in cycle speedway and continued to break records through to his 80s.

The 86-year-old was also famous for helping to set up the Cycle Club Sudbury.

His family said he "was always a great help and inspiration to all of us."

Suffolk police say they were called shortly before 3pm May 17, to reports of a collision between a lorry and a bicycle on Lavenham Road.

Leonard was treated at the scene, but sadly died.

Leonard's family wrote in a tribute: "He was a founding member of Cycle Club Sudbury and an honouree member.

"He was always cheerful and friendly and would do anything for anyone - provided it was to do with cycling "Leonard lived for his cycling, he raced throughout his life and was still breaking records into his 80s.

"He was truly one of the greats.

"RIP Leonard - you will be missed."

Fellow cyclist at Cycle Club Sudbury, Viv Marsh, 53, said: "Len was always a great help and inspiration to all of us kids and persuaded many of us to try racing.

"He was a founding member of CCS and an honoury member.

"RIP Len Finch."