TRIBUTES have been paid to a former speed skating coach who has died at his Southampton home after battling against a debilitating illness.

Norman Knight, known as Knocker, was encouraged to come to the city by ice rink proprietor Charles Knott in 1952 and became an integral part of the Saints speed skating club.

He raced in the first team until 1960 finishing runner-up in the British championships, being picked for international trials and competing in the Victor Ludorum, an invitation event for the top eight skaters in Great Britain.

On the track, Norman became famous for his ability to regularly surprise opponents with manoeuvres such as the "road runner," which involved running in an unorthodox upright position.

Such tactics were highly controversial and often left judges debating its legality.

He was also full of inventive ideas and was always willing to get involved.

Examples include his countless efforts to help the ice rink management with ideas for novelty nights, carnival floats, galas and Christmas shows.

In the 1970s, the National Skating Association of Great Britain gave Norman an award for his dedication to the sport at a ceremony at the prestigious Nottingham Ice Arena.

A modest man, he was humbled by all the fuss and made light of it on the trip back to Southampton saying: "Having a pint would have been enough."

Former fellow speed skater and judge Bob Kendall, of Regents Park Road, Southampton, said: "Knight by name, a true knight by nature. Knocker set a good example to all who knew him well.

"He had a sense of fair play and a determination not to back off when the chips were down. We all benefited from knowing Norman - one of the good guys in our lives."

He leaves a widow, Violet, and daughters, Sue and Lynn.