Scrambler Frank Pottenger, 80, pledges to carry on until he dies

An 80-year-old man from the Wales/Shropshire border has vowed to carry on motorbike scrambling until the day he dies.

Frank Pottenger, from Froncysyllte, has always loved motocross and in the 1950s was crowned Shropshire's Scrambling Champion.

Motocross or scrambling is a motorbike sport where participants take part in off-road racing up and down hilly and sometimes muddy tracks.

Mr Pottenger first got involved with the sport in 1953 when he took part in an event at Hawkstone Park, near Shrewsbury, and said he has never looked back since.

He recently took part in a race in Llanfyllin with 60 other riders where he came fourth in his class and 31st overall.

He said: "When they worked out my position I could not believe it.

"I was fourth in the event.

"That's not bad for an old wrinkly like me.

""At 80 years old I still enjoy it and still take part. I want to try to get as many rides in before I die."

He said he was supposed to retire from the sport at 50 years old but has kept going.

"I don't know how many more years I have but I will carry on," he said.

"I don't drive in anger any more but I am still competitive."

Mr Pottenger said he is still loves to ride his rare Triumph Daytona 500cc.

He said: "The bike I have got is one of only three made by legendary motorcycle rider and engineer, the late Eric Cheney.

"It is the only one in captivity and like its owner, me, it is a rare breed."

Mr Pottenger said his love of motocross has now stretched across the generations and his son and two grandsons have also taken part in scrambles.

In his lifetime, Mr Pottenger has had a number of accidents resulting in broken bones.