02/04/2017 South East Today

Friends of motorbike rider Mick Whalley, from Sheppey,

have been paying tribute to him. He died after a crash at Donington

Park race circuit yesterday. Jon Hunt reports.

They have been coming to Mick Whalley's distribution

business in Sheerness today to pay their respects.

I am just so shocked. Realy sad.

But he was doing what he loved to do.

Very tragic. I feel for his family and kids.

But I don't think he would have wanted to go any other way.

Mr Whalley was killed in a multiple motorcycle crash

at Donington Park race circuit yesterday.

He was competing in a support race to the British

This afternoon, I met Kayleigh, Mick's long-time girlfriend.

She told me she was at Donington Park yesterday, helping out

in the pit lane alongside Mick's mechanic, as she usually does.

She praised the medics for trying so hard to save his life.

which was, "I'm here for a good time, not a long time."

A minute's silence was held at Donington Park today.

It is thought that oil on the track from a preceding bike's

Former Superbike champion, Tommy Hill,

from Edenbridge, described it as a freak accident.

Something like this makes it hit home.

We know the consequences and the risks that we do take

racing a motorcycle week in week out.

You just never think it's going to be you.

His closest friends say Mick he was a thrill seeker

who was hard not to love. A man who lived for his children.

South East MEP Diane James says she has no regrets about standing

down as UKIP leader after just 18 days in the role.

She also said she left the party and became independent to make

way for the new leader, Paul Nuttall.

He did not need me there in the background and, potentially,

a lot of individuals, both in the media and members,

such as those in the NEC, constantly saying,

"Would Diane have done that? Would Nigel have done that?"

He has got a very good relationship with Nigel.

He did not need his predecessor there,

almost haunting him, in the background.

The rise of Eastbourne's tennis star Johanna Konta,

is being celebrated in her home town.

She has climbed into the world's top ten, after winning the Miami Open.

GREG RUDESKI: Well, isn't this awkward?

On a match point. We have seen this more and more.

The moment she knew she had clinched a huge victory may have come

courtesy of the replay screen, but with that shot,

she entered the top flight of women players.

The player from Eastbourne now number seven in the world.

Well, it's an incredible accomplishment.

Not just for myself, but also for my team

She is often spotted at Devonshire Park.

And if you detected a hint of Australian in her accent,

it's because was born in Sydney, but moved here

And what a time for the spotlight to fall on Eastbourne.

Today, the chairman talked me through the big plans for the club.

Did big wins really make any difference?

Every time we get this burst of success -

Andy Murray, of course, is the shining example -

we have seen an increase in interest here.

"Hang on, that is hardly the Wimbledon trophy she is holding."

I think there's a very strong case for saying it is the biggest

win by a British woman since Virgina Wade won

The Wimbledon Championships begin in 14 weeks' time.

Here is Elizabeth Rizzini with the weather.

Good evening. A dry day across the region. A lot of sunshine alone.

More cloud developed during the course of the afternoon. Moreover

the same as we head into the week ahead. Mostly dry, with brightness.

Maybe a few spots of rain on Tuesday. There could be a bit of

ground frost forming in more rural sports. Overnight tonight, staying

dry. The odd mist and fog patch forming tomorrow morning. The ball

sunshine. The chance of some fog sunshine. The chance of some fog

along the south coast. High temperatures and learned of 15-16 C.

Spots of rain on Tuesday. Slightly more cool after that.

Some lovely spring sunshine on offer. Highs of 12 degrees. In

London you can enjoy the lovely