Richard Burns to be honoured

A memorial service for Richard Burns, England’s only world rally champion, will be held on December 22 in London.

The Reading-born driver died last weekend, aged 34, after losing a two-year battle against a brain tumour. His life will be remembered in a service at St Luke’s Church, Sydney Street.

Burns’ family also thanked his fans for their response, with over 15,000 messages of condolence posted on his website.

In a statement, they said: “Their heart-warming messages not only underline the huge respect and popularity Richard held right across the world but these kind tributes are also a very real source of strength at this time.”