A speedway journalist who commentated on King's Lynn Stars for more than 40 years has passed away.

Edwin Overland, who was in his early 80s, died over the weekend.

Mr Overland, from Peterborough, took to sports reporting after an earlier career as a teacher 

He had been a regular in the press box at the Adrian Flux Arena and on the road with the Stars since the early 1980s, also commentating on Cambridge United and Peterborough United matches during his lengthy broadcasting career.

He retired from football commentary in 2022 but continued with his speedway work covering the Stars for BBC Radio Norfolk.

Dale Allitt, co-promoter with King's Lynn Stars, said: "My first memories of Edwin were as a fan, going to watch speedway at Peterborough, he was the voice of many sports.

"He was a great guy, he truly was a legend in the sport, a very calm influence, instantly recognisable."

Edwin Overland, who has passed away, commentated on King's Lynn speedway for more than 40 yearsEdwin Overland, who has passed away, commentated on King's Lynn speedway for more than 40 years (Image: Ian Burt)

When he retired from commentating and stadium announcement duties with the Stars last year, the club posted: "Edwin, who also operated at local rivals Peterborough, has been announcing since the 1980s along with being a much-respected broadcast journalist and football commentator.

"Unfortunately he has taken the decision that he needs to stand down to focus on his health, and we want to thank him for his outstanding service."

Peter Swan, the sports editor at Radio Cambridgeshire, described him as a "genuine legend".

"Edwin played a huge part in our sports coverage over several decades," he added.

"He was an absolute joy to work with and will be missed hugely."

Mr Overland's career in journalism began with recording football commentaries for video companies, as well as recording speedway commentaries and selling tapes.

He had trained to be a teacher at St John's College, in York.

In a post published in 2018, its alumni website said: "Over four decades in sports broadcasting Edwin has gained a great deal of admiration from his listeners."

It added he had " a special talent in delivering the spoken word" and made listeners feel "at ease, informed and warm inside".