Legendary rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, from Penn, has died aged 89. 

Paddy was famed for stunning the world of motorsport in 1964 by winning the Monte Carlo Rally in the now classic Mini Cooper S – a victory which helped make the Mini a 1960s icon.

The Belfast-born motoring legend was one of the greatest British rally drivers of all time, having competed in 283 events. 

But he was also a well-known face in the community, regularly helping local charities and appearing at local events. 

A statement from his family said he passed away peacefully on Thursday at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. 

Paddy was awarded an MBE for services to motoring and young people for his work as patron of High Wycombe motoring project SKIDZ back in 2015. 

He was also inducted into the Bucks and Milton Keynes Sporting Hall of Fame in November 2019, and was a patron of the Kop Hill Climb, a yearly car and motorbike event raising cash for charity.

In 2020, Mini launched a limited edition version of its three-door Hatch to commemorate its 1964 Monte Carlo Rally win, calling it the 'Paddy Hopkirk Edition'. 

Along with English co-pilot Henry Liddon, Hopkirk became one of the biggest names in British motorsport. His victory was made all the more impressive because of the fact the pair beat rivals with much more powerful cars, beginning Mini’s legacy as a giant killer in motorsport.

Tributes have flooded in in memory of Paddy. 

The FIA, the governing body for world motorsport, said: "The FIA pays tribute to former Rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who passed away at the age of 89.

"Starting his career in 1955, he won five Circuit of Ireland and the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1964. He was member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) since 1967. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

The BRDC, which owns Silverstone, said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of BRDC Vice President and former President (2017-19) Paddy Hopkirk MBE.

"We thank Paddy for his dedication and love for the club. On behalf of the Club we send our love & thoughts to his family at this difficult time."

Paddy is survived by his wife Jennifer, and children Katie, Patrick and William.