Sheppey's Superbike champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne is preparing for surgery to his back after a horror bike crash.

He was taking part in speed tests at Snetterton race track in Norfolk on Thursday when he lost control.

This morning his wife Petra posted a photograph of her husband being wheeled into the operating theatre of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

She said: "Just done the heartbreaking walk to theatre with him.

"They will try their best to fix his back without damaging spinal cord.

"Be strong my darling I will be here.

"I feel unbelievable pain inside."

And in a message to his many fans she added:

"Please send him nice messages, pictures , funny things so when he gets better enough to look at his phone it keeps him smiling."

Last night she posted from his bedside: "Another evening. I feel so helpless. I don’t think I have more tears to cry. Man this hurts me bad seeing him like that."

The incident happened as teams prepared for the Bennetts Superbike Championship.

In an update on the rider's condition posted on the championship's Twitter page, a spokesman said he was being monitored for a variety of injuries.

"Shane remains in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital under observation for a range of injuries," the update said.

"The BSB Medical Team have been liaising closely with Shane’s family and the hospital regarding his condition.

"A surgical procedure to stabilise spinal fractures is planned for the beginning of next week, with treatment for other injuries planned thereafter.

"Further updates will be provided post surgery."

Mum-of-two Petra originally posted on Twitter: "Sorry for not replying to all the hundreds of messages I get.

"My head is all over the place. At hospital by [Shane's] side.

"Thank you for all the love. Means a lot x."

It is thought the rider crashed at 'Turn 3'.