Lap of the track marks start of speedway star Danny Ayres' funeral

Friends and family of a talented speedway rider have said goodbye to him - with a lap around the track at Mildenhall.

The sport was shocked when Danny Ayres was found dead two weeks ago at the age of 33. His family believe he took his own life.

Danny was born in Bury St Edmunds and had just sealed his dream move to ride with Premiership side Ipswich Witches having previously captained Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the National League.

On Friday, February 14, his former club hosted his funeral.

It began with the hearse doing a poignant lap of the track, followed by his teammates on their bikes.

Danny's family asked everyone attending to where pink - and dress as though they were attending the speedway.

A celebration of the rider's life is expected to continue throughout the afternoon.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in on social media from fellow riders - including Ipswich Witches teammate Danny King who described him as a "great bloke" and a "real character."

The team has since dedicated the season to his memory.

Danny came into the sport relatively late, only pursuing a speedway career in 2014 after making the switch from motocross.

British Speedway said the Suffolk rider "was everything good about the sport".

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