It has been two years since British motorcycle speedway rider and former Swindon Robins star Ken Middleditch passed away.

Ken initially served in the RAF as a rear gunner during World War Two, but while he was stationed in Egypt, he became interested in speedway.

After starting out racing for Hastings Saxons in 1948, Ken moved to Poole Pirates, where he became the National League Division Three Champion in 1951.

He then won the National League Division Two on two occasions in 1952 and 1955 but his crowning achievement was still yet to come.

Ken signed for Swindon Robins in 1957 and stayed there for just one campaign.

The Robins have been racing since 1949 have won the National League, the main speedway league in the UK until 1964, once in their history.

Swindon won that coveted title in 1957 while Ken was racing, with the rider becoming the National League Champion for the only time in his career.

Ken died on January 9, 2021, at the age of 95.

Neil Middleditch, 66, is the son of Ken and was a professional Speedway rider as well, who is now the Poole Pirates team manager.

"I was always very proud of my father," he told the Adver.

"He was known as the genetleman of Speedway and was a true legend of the sport."

Speaking of his title-winning campaign with the Robins, Neil added: "There was fuel strike that year and Poole did not run so he went to Swindon that year.

"I was born that year so I was the youngest member of the Swindon supporter club at just three months old!"

That special year ensured that the rider became a cult hero in the town.

"Whenever I visit Swindon, people have fond memories of him," said Neil.

"Despite having dementia, he also had a great memory of Swindon even 60 years later, showing it was a special year for him.

"He had fond memories of the town."

He moved back to Poole to finish his career, winning the Provincial League in 1961 before retiring in the following year.

Neil was inspired by his father's career and it prompted him to go into the sport himself and have his own successful career in Speedway.

"It was something that I always wanted to be," he said.

"Dad never pushed me but he told me instead that if I wanted to do it, I should."