Wet weather spoilt Brentford biker Frank James's first Manx Grand Prix.

The 45-year-old welder, from Manor Vale, travelled to the Isle of Man three weeks ago to take part in what is considered to be the world's most dangerous sporting event.

Nearly 100 people have died in the Manx's 85-year history, including a few more fatalities this year.

So despite being annoyed that the rain slowed him down, James was glad to be back in Brentford in one piece. He qualified for the newcomers, junior and senior races in the qualifiers, but then the heavens opened.

He said: "The weather was appaling. It basically rained non-stop for two weeks, and the whole event was scuppered by it. "There were lots of crashes as a result. I had a crash on a mountain corner in the newcomers race, which meant I didn't finish.

"I didn't have a bruise on me, but the bike was badly damaged. Luckily,it was repairable.

"As a result of the crash, I took it a bit easier in the junior and senior races and didn't finish as well as I'd have liked.

"But I finished both and have two finishers medals, which is more than a lot of racers manage."

James pledged to be back next year,by which time he reckons he'll know the 38-mile circuit, which riders do four laps of, a bit better.

He added: "I don't think I was over-cautious, but there were some parts of the course I was unsure about.

"Apparently it takes three years to get to know it."

James would like to thank his pit team - Helen Bonthrone and Ian and Liz Boothman - and everyone else who helped him along the way.