SWINDON Speedway are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our former riders, Ken Middleditch.

Ken, a perfect gentleman and father of current Poole boss Neil, joined us in 1957 from Poole and spent a very successful season in our colours.

He missed just one league fixture at Leicester and returned an impressive league average of 7.54 from his 19 meetings including four paid maximums.

Ken was instrumental in helping bring the top flight league championship to Swindon for the first time in our history.

Rightly regarded as a Poole legend, Ken returned to the Pirates in 1958 before retiring from racing in 1962.

Everyone at the club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Neil and the rest of the Middleditch family and to our friends at Poole.