KEVIN RICHARDS admits he was shocked when he got a telephone call telling him he had won the 2006 Belgium Championship.

The 59-year-old barn restorer from Sheldwich, near Faversham, totalled 85 points in the series, on his TZ 350 and went back to receive his medal, trophy and certificate.

He said: "I was pleased to get the call saying I had won but it came out of the blue."

Richards was crowned Lord of Lydden in 1979, finished sixth behind winner Barry Sheene in the British Championship a year later when he also won the Bill Ivy Trophy and broke the lap record at Brands Hatch.

However, things stalled in 1985 when he retired due to lack of finance but Kevin was indebted to the late Robin Ovenden for helping him return to Classic Bike racing in 1995.

Kevin’s due to compete in the Le Mans 24-hour race in April.

* See the Faversham News (Thursday, March 1) for the full story.