Multi-world champion motor-cyclist Kelvin Tatum from Horsham has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours.

Tatum, 38, who has ridden for Eastbourne Eagles and captained England during an illustrious career, said he was surprised but delighted to receive the award for services to speedway.

He said: "It makes me very proud to know that what I have achieved in my life has been recognised in this way, but I am a little bit surprised, especially as the award mentions speedway, because all my world titles have been in grass-track and long-track racing."

Tatum has been world champion three times in the last seven years and also won four British titles and a European championship.

"There have been some tough times, and I suppose the most satisfying victory was winning the world title again in 2000 after I had suffered a really serious injury. To come back and be world champion after that was a great feeling," he said.

Tatum, who lives at Coolham with wife Debbie and children Oliver, 11, and Emma, nine, is one of England's most capped speedway riders and captained them to victory in the World Team Cup in the Eighties.

During the same period, he was also twice British champion and finished third, his best individual placing, in the world championship in Poland.

The first he knew he had been recommended for an honour was when a letter arrived from Downing Street in November.

Tatum said: "I was on holiday in Lanzarote at the time, and my in-laws were looking after the house. My father-in-law rang me and said 'there's a letter here from Downing Street, do you want me to open it?'

"I had no idea what it was about, and it didn't really sink in. It was telling me I had been recommended for an MBE and asking me if I minded my name being put forward.

"When we got back, I discussed it with Debbie, and we sent off the form, but I hadn't heard anything since, so the award was a complete surprise."

Tatum is a former pupil of Brighton College and as well as being involved in speedway, grass-track and long-track racing is also a commentator for Sky TV. His brother, Neville, is also a rider and has ridden for Eastbourne.

Former world champion Peter Collins was also awarded an MBE last year, but honours for speedway riders are rare.

Tatum still rides for Arena Essex and plans another tilt at the world grass-track and long-track championship in 2003.