MOTORCYCLE star Carl Fogarty has joined a top scientist, disability campaigners and TV personalities Charlie Dimmock and Jane Asher as one of a charity's People of the Year.

The four-time World Superbike champion is on an elite list of 12 stars and people who have excelled in bravery or achievement.

The awards are run by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (Radar), which represents disabled people's organisations across the country.

Carl said: "It's always nice when you are recognised outside your own racing circle and reach people who are not directly involved with your sport. It's always special."

The Ducati rider announced his retirement due to injury this year from the sport he dominated.

He added: "It also means the sport will be be better known in houses that don't necessarily follow motorcycle racing."

This year is the event's 40th anniversary and the awards will be made at a ceremony in London.

Radar spokesman Brian Breed said: "There are two categories, bravery or achievement, and I think Carl Fogarty comes into both."

Carl's fellow winners include Dr John Sulston, who led the team that mapped a third of the human genome, and Lord Alf Morris of Manchester and Lord Jack Ashley, for services to the disabled. Record-breaking sky-diver Adrian Nicholas, and gymnast and Down's syndrome sufferer Greg Silvester, who carried the Olympic torch, are also being honoured, as is Colin Ellis, who rescued four children from a house fire. Sir Harry Secombe receives a lifetime achievement award, and Dr Shaun and Josie Russell are being recognised for their courage after Josie's mother and sister were attacked and killed.