A SPEEDWAY enthusiast has told how overwhelmed he has been at the support he has received for his exhibition on the sport.

John Murphy said he felt emotional at the swell of people who came forward to donate or lend items for a display at Bradford Industrial Museum whuich opened to the public at the weekend.

The exhibits include race bikes, jackets, helmets, programmes and videos, among other things.

"I am overwhelmed," said Mr Murphy. "It has been 18 years since speedway finished in Bradford.

"My hobby is keeping the Bradford message going, but getting all these items shows how other people believe in it as well.

"There are too many people to name, but thanks to everyone who has helped."

Mr Murphy, who no longer attends speedway meetings because of family and work commitments, said he felt "emotionally drained", and added that he shed a "tear or two" when compiling a DVD on racing at Wembley for the exhibition.

He added: "I feel emotionally drained. In a nice way, though. A lot of last-minute things came up and people who I trust have come through."

The display will also include a race jacket belonging to legendary Polish rider Tomasz Gollob, and a film dedicated to him.

"Some of the items we have got will get the imagination running," said Mr Murphy, who sent some items to the museum by taxi because of time constraints in his personal and working life. "I was always worried that the space was a hindrance and whether we could do it justice.

"But I am really looking forward to seeing what the end result is. I am sure it will be fantastic."

He added: "There is a lovely tribute to engine tuner Gordon Hemingway, and a mannequin fully-dressed that is dedicated to former Bradford riders Tony Atkin and Andre Compton, who are still riding.

"There are race jackets, lots of programmes, lots of material dedicated to Bradford rider Arthur Forrest, and videos on a film loop."

Lizzie Llabres, assistant curator at the museum, said: "It has been stressful, but I am thinking it is looking good. I am quite impressed with it.

"I hope people like it and I hope people are excited by it. I think people will be interested in what we have - there are some interesting items."

Mr Murphy said the exhibition is dedicated to former Halifax and Bradford track announcer Terry Hardaker, Gordon Hemingway, and former England speedway captain Nigel Boocock. The trio died in 2013, 2012 and this year, respectively.

The exhibition was initially due to open this Saturday but the opening date was brought forward by a week.