A motor club has reflected on the life and achievements of a famous racer.

Members of Hexham & District Motor Club paid tribute to 89-year-old Professional rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who died on July 21.

Paddy, of Northern Ireland, was employed by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and competed regularly as a professional rally driver from 1955 to 1970.

One of his outstanding achievements was that he helped the Mini gain international recognition when it won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

Hexham Courant:

Many years after his famous victory Paddy commissioned an exact replica of the car and wore the registration number 6 EMO.

In later years Paddy kindly loaned it to Lancashire driver Steve Entwistle, who competed in a Hexham race in 2017 and 2018 with Ali Procter, a life-long motor fan and Hexham & District Motor Club member.

Hexham Courant:

The pair enjoyed top three results on one of the country's most gruelling classic rallies, The RAC Rally of the Tests.

In 2018, the man himself Paddy came up to compete in Northumberland with Steve at the wheel.

Reminiscing on the experience, Ali said: "Paddy was well known for his ongoing passion for motorsport as well as his sharp wit and a wicked smile."