A FORMER motorbike ace, paralysed after breaking his back in a 150mph smash, is celebrating after his own race team won its first major north west championship.

Stewart Smith was left wheelchair-bound after the accident during a practice session at the Manx Grand Prix six years ago.

But he was not deterred him from pursuing his lifelong interest in motorbikes and has taken a new East Lancashire star under his wing.

After securing sponsorship from several local firms, Stewart signed up Darwen-based Jason Taylor to ride his new dream machine.

And the team came up trumps in its first season - with Jason taking first place in the 350cc Grand Prix category at the Aintree championships.

He also finished second in the 250cc open class.

Stewart, 46, of Accrington, knew he would never ride again soon after the accident in 1992.

His spinal injuries mean he has no feeling from the chest downwards, though he still has use of his arms.

His brother Stephen raced a bike last season but the pair did not have much success.

But, after gaining sponsorship, Stewart has been able to modify a 1997 Yamaha TZ 250cc bike to turn it into a 1998 Grand Prix machine, with a top speed of 165mph.

Stewart is sponsored by Noblet Plant Hire Ltd, where he worked before his accident, Clive Knight Commercial Vehicles, Sabden, and H Davies car sales, Accrington.

He said: "Even though I can't ride any more, I've never been able to get bikes out of my system.

"But I've got used to it now and seeing Jason win is the second best thing. "He couldn't afford a bike before I took him on and he is delighted at being given another chance to race.

"The first season's gone really well. I wish I was there myself but it's good to be egging Jason on when he's doing well."

Jason, a 28-year-old mechanic who works at Ten Fore quad bike specialists, Darwen, and lives in Philip Street in the town, added: "It's my first year away from 600cc so I'm really pleased.

"I wouldn't be racing at all without Stewart. He does all the maintenance and has passed on a lot of experience to me."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.