Tributes have been paid following the death of a Swindon speedway stalwart who was a crucial part of the team that won the club’s first national league title.

George White, known as Chalky, was a hugely-popular member of Swindon Speedway for most of his life and his impressive riding skills helped them win the National League in 1957.

He died after suffering ill heath on December 30 last year at the age of 86.

Following his death, the club’s current boss has led the tributes to the huge impact George had on it over the years.

He initially signed in 1954 when his talents were spotted at a junior open meeting and rose through the ranks during a successful six-year spell.

George was part of the squad that won Swindon Speedway its first national league title in 1957 and he made two world final appearance in 1957 and 1959.

Current club manager and friend Alun Rossiter described him as a true club legend.

He said: “George was certainly one of the most spectacular riders Swindon had signed at the time.

“He was only about 5ft 2ins but the way he used to ride the fences looked really spectacular.

“Of the 1957 squad, there are now only three riders left but it was a very good squad which won us our first ever national league title.

“George was a very modest man who never missed a match even after he retired.

“The word gets used a bit loosely these days but he was definitely one of the greats and most spectacular riders Swindon produced in that era.”