A FORMER world sidecar champion celebrated his 90th birthday in Lechlade with family, friends and fans all turning out to wish him well on the special day.

Stanley Dibben enjoyed a party at the Trout Inn, Lechlade, near to where he lives, on May 9 as he celebrated the impressive milestone.

The event was organised by his close friend Charlotte Walter, 36, who has known Mr Dibben for nearly 20 years.

"It was a really lovely party," she said. "It was going to be a surprise but he's so well known that we had to publicise it in the end so his fans could come.

"He has done so much in his life. He never says no, always says yes and he doesn't believe he is 90 - he says he's 10! He has more of a social life than I do!"

Fans of sidecar champion Mr Dibben, who is still heavily involved with the motoring world, turned up to the celebration on their motorbikes. The birthday boy was also presented with a large birthday cake.

"It was just so wonderful for him to meet a few fans and catch up with family members and celebrate achievements," added Charlotte, who lives in Cricklade.

"He is very energetic, it's difficult to keep up with him. The sidecar industry is still thriving and he is still very involved."

Mr Dibben regularly attends the Isle of Man sidecar and motorcycle races, handing out trophies to the winners and chatting to fans.

During his time in the racing world, he competed with Eric Oliver in the 1950s. He also rode a number of motorbikes as well as side cars. In 1950 he did some development riding for the experimental department at Birmingham Armoury Road factory building Goldstars, testing all the prototype bikes of that era.