TRIBUTES have been paid to a keen cyclist, retired businessman and former British kart racing champion from Sidmouth who lost his battle with cancer this week.

Friends of Malcolm Turner described him as a “shining light” with a great sense of humour.

Malcolm, 67, died peacefully at Sidmouth Victoria Hospital on Saturday.

He was a valued member of the Sid Valley Cycling Club. Chairman Ron Clint said of his good friend and riding companion of many years: “He always made your day, or ride.

“Malcolm was a shining light when you were out with him. He was a really sociable guy and always full of comedy.

“He’ll be sorely missed. There wasn’t anybody who didn’t get on with him.”

Malcolm ran a butchers shop in All Saints Road for more than 20 years. After it closed he converted the premises, now known as Turner’s Court, into flats.

He grew up in Newton Poppleford and was the youngest of brothers Keith, Hugh and Roy, and sister Jean.

In the late 1960’s Malcolm took up kart racing. He became an instant success and, in the 1980’s, was a member of the British Kart Racing Team and a British champion. Malcolm’s kart racing exploits took him around the world. He liked South Africa so much he moved there in the late 1980’s and stayed for more than a decade.

During his time in Africa, Malcolm travelled extensively with work which included managing an emerald mine. He returned to Sidmouth after a serious accident.

Malcolm was a keen golfer and snooker player, but was known more recently for his cycling and enjoyed riding daily. His passion for the activity inspired many others to follow suit.

Malcolm’s funeral service will take place at Sidmouth Parish Church on Thursday (November 24) at 2pm.