Tributes have been paid to a Keighley-born former amateur jockey – paralysed in a fall two decades ago – who has died aged 54.

The racing world has united to pay its respects to Sharron Murgatroyd, who was left disabled from the neck down following an accident at Bangor in 1991.

Since then she raised thousands of pounds for the Injured Jockeys Fund and wrote several books, including her life story – Jump Jockeys Don’t Cry.

Keighley News racing correspondent Robin Moule said: “While I didn’t know Sharron personally, she was a household name in racing circles, who refused to be fazed by her disability.

“She remained a larger-than-life character and a true inspiration to so many others.

“She was a queen in the sport of kings and will be sadly missed, yet long remembered.”

Silent tributes have been held or black armbands worn at race courses across the country.

Miss Murgatroyd was educated in Bradford and lived at Shipley before moving away from the area to pursue her racing ambitions.

She established herself as a leading female rider, notching up several wins on the flat and over jumps.