SPEEDWAY favourite Mark Loram has spoken of his joy after his wife Flo gave birth to a baby boy.The tot was born three weeks early on Tuesday at 9.30pm and weighed exactly five pounds.

SPEEDWAY favourite Mark Loram has spoken of his joy after his wife Flo gave birth to a baby boy.

The tot was born three weeks early on Tuesday at 9.30pm and weighed exactly five pounds.

Loram's season with the Ipswich Witches ended in March after an horrific crash with Reading's Sam Simota left him with a broken thigh.

Speaking from Ipswich Hospital the 2000 world speedway champion said: “He came very quickly and to be honest I think we only just got to the hospital in time.

“In a way it's quite lucky because if I was fit I would have been racing in Sweden on Tuesday night. However because of my injury I was able to help Flo through the birth.

“It's all been very hectic. He and his mum are doing brilliantly. I've been to the hospital every evening since as the nurses have to keep him in to make sure he's OK but everything seems to be fine.

“We're both really looking forward to getting him home and fingers crossed that should be at the weekend.”

Loram, 36, who lives in Stowmarket, is a popular figure among Witches' fans and he was set to lead the team in this year's Elite League.

However the accident at Foxhall Stadium in the early part of the season has led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines - with doctors advising he should not compete again until his thigh is completely healed.

Speaking about his recovery, Loram said: “The next couple of months are pretty critical. If it hasn't healed correctly then it looks like I will need major surgery but hopefully that won't happen.”

Send Mark and Flo Loram a congratulatory message by e-mailing starnews@eveningstar.co.uk or write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.>