The world of rallying is in mourning after the untimely death of England's only world champion - Richard Burns.

The former Subaru and Peugeot works driver died last Friday after a long battle with a brain tumour.

The 34-year-old won the 2001 FIA World Championship driving for Subaru - where he succeeded Colin McRae.

He was taken ill in 2003 after blacking out while driving on the motorway. Doctors diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a form of brain tumourand underwent aggressive chemotherapy in a bid to defeat the illness.

But the treatment wasn't successful and he passed away last night Friday 25th November peacefully. His partner Zoe, family and close friends were at his bedside.

A statement on his website (www.richard-burns.co.uk) said: "From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour.

"Having undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy he was able to leave hospital in summer 2004. For a while his health showed signs of improvement but then after six months it once again began to decline. Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and enabled him to remain active.

"At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received. However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma."

David Richards, the world rally boss who gave Burns his big break at Subaru, described him as "one of the icons of our sport."

There will be a private funeral and instead of flowers the family would ask that donations be sent to Cancer Research. Anyone who would like to send messages should address them to the memorials pages on www.richard-burns.co.uk.

The date of a memorial service will be announced shortly.

Published: 28/11/2005