Colin Appleyard — founder of the Keighley motorcycle dealership — has received a lifetime achievement award.

He was given the accolade by British Dealer News, the motorcycle industry’s leading trade magazine.

Colin’s son, Robin, and the company’s motorcycle sales director, Stuart Feeny, accepted the award on his behalf at a ceremony in the NEC, in Birmingham.

Judges praised Colin for his dedication to motorcycling and motorcycle sport during a career spanning over half a century.

On hearing of the award, Colin said he was deeply touched and honoured to be recognised by fellow industry professionals. He paid tribute to his workforce — many of whom had been with the company for more than 25 years — and in particular his wife, Peggy, and Mr Feeny for their “hard work, commitment and understanding”.

Colin Appleyard Sport and Pleasure Motorcycles — founded almost 40 years ago — has developed into one of the country’s leading independent motorcycle dealerships, with showrooms in Keighley and Leeds.

The Appleyard name is also highly respected in the world of motorcycle racing. Colin has served on a number of the sport’s governing bodies and Team Colin Appleyard Racing, managed by Robin, currently competes in three British championships.

Robin paid tribute to his father. “He is far too modest a man to blow his own trumpet but he is extremely well respected throughout the industry and this award is very well deserved,” he said. The accolade completes a notable double for the Appleyards — last October Peggy was presented with the David Jefferies Special Recognition Award by racing star James Toseland.

The award was presented at a charity dinner held annually in memory of David Jefferies, a celebrated racer who was killed at the Isle of Man TT in 2005.

Tribute was paid to Peggy’s unstinting commitment to the Appleyard race team and her never-ending hard work behind the scenes in the paddock.