Tributes have been paid to a former Pride of Britain nominee who died attempting to break a 200mph record on a motorcycle.

Martin McConnell, from Tunbridge Wells, was killed in a crash at Tibenham Airfield, near Norwich, during the Terminal Velocity show on Sunday.

The event features a “rolling half mile” in which those taking part drive along the runway at high speeds.

Mr McConnell had previously announced he had intended to break the venue’s 204mph record.

Police and paramedics were called to the airfield at around 11am and Mr McConnell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

The military veteran was in his 50s and was a prominent fundraiser and campaigner.

He served in the Royal Corps of Transport and in 2015 set up a support group for military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, called Exforces PTSD.

The group raises money for families of ex-servicemen and women to go on holidays.

For his efforts raising more than £33,000 and funding 25 holidays to Jersey, Mr McConnell was nominated for the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award in 2018.

Last year, he travelled across Europe to deliver aid to Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Following his death, his son Jamie posted a tribute on social media.

"I am lost for words at the minute,” he said. “We all know the risks taken when competing in motorcycle racing – unfortunately today is a day I never saw coming.

‘I know for a fact he died smiling and doing what he loved.’

"I know for a fact he died smiling and doing what he loved.

"Rest in peace Dad, I will never forget you – the memories we have will live on forever in our hearts.”

On their website, organisers of the Terminal Velocity event say they are "committed to safety".

It states: "Terminal Velocity was set up to give owners the opportunity to experience the full potential of their cars' performance without endangering their own licence, liberty or anyone else’s safety."

An advert for the Tibenham show asked: "Will our 204mph record be beaten this year?"

Before the event, Suzuki Turbo Racing posted online that Mr McConnell would be attempting to break that record.

Members of the group, Dazz and Kryssie, said: “We are both lost for words at the moment, that someone so larger than life, and who worked so hard and gave so much to others has been so cruelly taken away from us all.

“Martin's racing was one of his ways of dealing with his PTSD whilst also raising money and awareness for other veterans suffering from the same condition.

“His loss is immeasurable and we are totally devasted and heartbroken to have lost one of our racing family and a man we were so proud to call our friend.”

Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched an investigation into the tragedy.