The life and times of a motocross legend have been celebrated in an exhibition charting his long and successful career.

Ipswich Star: Hundreds of people gathered in Coddenham for a special celebration of the life of Dave Bickers.Hundreds of people gathered in Coddenham for a special celebration of the life of Dave Bickers. (Image: Archant)

Dave Bickers, who won back-to-back European titles in 1960 and 1961, died aged 76 in July after suffering a stroke.

For around 20 years he rode motorcycles in the sport of scrambling which later became known as motocross.

After retiring he moved into the film world, working as a stunt engineer on some of the biggest blockbusters.

His family, from Coddenham near Needham Market, wanted to mark his achievements with an exhibition.

Ipswich Star: Hundreds of people gathered in Coddenham for a special celebration of the life of Dave Bickers.Hundreds of people gathered in Coddenham for a special celebration of the life of Dave Bickers. (Image: Archant)

Son, Paul Bickers, 47, said: “We had 400-500 people come along which was a good turnout. There was a collection of motorbikes and film vehicles as well – it was a good fun day.

“There was a motorbike which we supplied for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – it really was his life, it was his passion. He was involved in motorcycle racing from the late 50s to the late 70s so he had a long career.”

With his experience of motorbikes and vast mechanical knowledge he was invited to start work in the film industry.

One important job was on the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. For a chase sequence he had to use techniques and equipment from his motocross days to speed up underpowered three-wheel taxis, known as Tuk Tuks.

He even stood in for the then-James Bond, Roger Moore, for a stunt scene. Since 1995’s James Bond film, Goldeneye, the company he set-up, Bickers Action, has been involved in every subsequent Bond film.

The last big sequence he was responsible for was in a scene from The World is Not Enough where Bond’s boat does a 360 degree turn on the River Thames.

Mr Bickers added: “I think he was happy with his career – he did not regard it as work for him.”

Today the firm is led by his son and is still going strong.

The exhibition on Saturday was held at Ivy Farm, Coddenham.