CYCLE speedway may not be everyone's favourite sport, but Bury has a man to be proud of, award winner Tony Mann.

The Bury-Pedalsport founder recently received the Wilkinson Sword Award of Merit, for his services to the sport at its national conference in Birmingham.

The Cycle Speedway Commission was unanimous in its choice and Tony was quick to thank the part played by his club committee and growing membership, a far cry from the days of the original 'Chesham Comets.'

It was in1950, as a young and enthusiastic 15-year-old that Tony started in cycle speedway, with Manchester's then famous 'Chorlton Aces.'

He then moved on to Gatley's Carrswood Hunters, where he spent 10 years, during which time he was part of their 1957 National Championship winning team.

He moved to Bury in 1967, along with wife Beryl and sons Steve and Paul, introduced the sport to the town in 1974, with the formation of the Chesham Comets at their very humble Clarence Park track.

Following a change of name to Bury Cycle Speedway, the move to a purpose built track at Goshen Sports Centre in 1994 and the emergence of chairman Stuart Howarth, the club grew into one of the country's leading lights.

The introduction of the British Veterans in 1999 and the British Open Championship in 2001, building up to the staging of this year's successful World Championships, has finally seen the Goshen track recognised as one of the best in the UK.

Now aged 68 and in his 53rd year of cycle speedway, Tony is still club secretary, a position he has held for 28 years, and Northern Alliance chairman.

He was also chairman of the joint Astley & Tyldesley - Bury steering group that brought the world championships to the North West.

Now his life-long love of, and dedication to, the sport has finally been recognised with his receipt of the Wilkinson Sword Award of Merit, the highest award attainable in cycle speedway, open to both riders and non-riders.

The first person to receive it was British champion Derek Garnett in 1979.