John McGuinness, winner of 23 TTs, has at last passed his test -  not for motorbikes but as a truck driver.

Following a session in school with Carlisle company SP Training he was awarded his LGV licence last week and in another month will be taking the giant Scania across the Irish sea to Portrush for the  North West 200. And then the TT.

Pleased as a kid with a new toy he said: "It’s something I’ve always wanted to do ever since riding with my uncle in his old six wheeler. I loved it. And if things get a bit harder this year, owning a lorry and being able to drive it might be very useful."