A TALENTED motorcyclist who died after he fell from his bike at 150mph during a race meeting at Brands Hatch at the weekend was planning to marry, it has been revealed.

Gavin Turner, 30, from Eastbourne in East Sussex, was to wed fiancee Nicky sometime next year.

Hundreds of spectators looked on in horror as Mr Turner was thrown from his Kawasaki ZX9R 900 during a power bike race on Saturday shortly after 11am.

Seven other riders fell from their bikes as they crossed the finishing line at the end of the first lap but amazingly none of them were critically injured.

Maria Bellanca, a spokesman for circuit owner Octagon Motorsports Limited, said: "The rider involved was immediately attended to by race paramedics on circuit and, during transfer to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, it was found his injuries had proved fatal."

Devastated friends and neighbours in Eastbourne have paid tribute to Mr Turner. His potential was spotted by Charlie Whyte, owner of Bexhill-based Phoenix Motorcycles, who offered him a sponsorship deal.

Mr Whyte, who knew Mr Turner for 10 years as a customer and friend, believed he had "natural talent".

"On and off the track, he was two different people. He was such a nice guy but a very determined sportsman," he said.

Mr Whyte added: "All my staff knew him and we saw him every week. Everyone here is really upset about what happened, He will be sadly missed."