Funeral of road racer today

The funeral takes place today of 31-year-old Gary Jess who was killed on Saturday after an accident at the Ulster Grand Prix.

The Co Down man was involved in a collision with another rider - Dwyer Agnew - and died at the scene.

His six-months pregnant wife Paula and mother were among spectators who had gathered for the motorcycle race at the Dundrod racing circuit in Co Antrim.

The crash occurred on a section known as Deer's Leap where racers reach speeds of up to 100mph.

Mr Jess's remains will leave his Meadow Road home in Moira, Co Down, at 10.30am for an 11.30am funeral service at Hillsborough parish church.

He will be buried in the adjoining ceremony.

The 31-year-old's death, coupled with those of two English riders who were killed on Sunday during practice for next week's Manx Grand Prix in the Isle of Man, has led to calls for the sport to be banned.

Former Ulster Grand Prix organiser Billy Nutt made the plea yesterday as he called for a safer alternative to road racing.