Motorcycle speedster Richard Ward has set a trio of new records at the Pendine Sands time trial event.

The Minster rider hit a top speed of 157.988mph over a mile at the beach on the shores of Carmarthen Bay in Wales.

The bi-annual event is run by the Straightliners drag racing organisation in conjunction with UK Timing Association, with all times counting towards UK speed records.

Ward, 63, was competing in the 1000cc modified chassis class and managed the feat despite only returning to competitive action earlier this year, following a hip replacement.

It hasn’t slowed him down.

Ward, who has been competing for a decade, said: “I was told I was a bit too young for a replacement but I couldn’t get my leg over the bike! I have only been walking properly since March but they did a terrific job at Medway Hospital.”

The speed event saw Ward also claim class records in half a mile, clocking 121.082mph in torrential rain, and 151.877mph over the 1.5mile distance.

“It can be a bit lively,” said the racer, who competes on a Suzuki GSXR1000 K7.

“When I’m doing 157mph my speedo is reading 220mph because there is so much wheelspin and I need to find a way of controlling that. I was teasingly close to 160mph.

“You just have to let the bike float at those speeds, you can’t fight it. The time gate is 100 yards wide and I’ve missed it before because side winds have blown me off course.

“You have so much sand in your visor at the end it’s like being inside a Christmas shaker!”