TOMMY Elder, who was the oldest living jockey to have ridden in the Grand National, has died at the age of 97.

He took part in five pre-war Grand Nationals, finishing second twice, and rode 480 winners in a 14-year career.

His victories included the 1939 Scottish Grand National and the Welsh National.

Mr Elder, of Easingwold, North Yorkshire, a close friend of Lester Piggott's father, Keith, was famously nicknamed Little Tommy by the late Queen Mother.

He was born in Kent and began riding as a youngster to take refreshments to labourers on his uncle's farm.

His grandfather encouraged him to take up racing professionally and after joining trainer Sid Mercer at Newmarket, he rode his first winner on his 21st birthday.

Mr Elder also developed an amateur passion for fast cars and raced for Alfa Romeo at Brooklands.

He was ruled out of active service in the Second World War because of injuries suffered during his time in the saddle.

He moved to Coxwold, near Easingwold 40 years ago to take charge of a stud.

When the estate was sold, Mr Elder went to stay with Phyllis Atkinson, now 98, in the village. They moved to Easingwold in 2002.

Mrs Atkinson's daughter, Joy Bulmer, 62, last night paid tribute to the former jockey.

"He was definitely a light in my life," she said. "He was a very entertaining man, very funny. He had jokes and tales to tell about jockeys and the things they did - trying to get to race meetings, cars breaking down, hitching a lift. He just became a great part of our life.

"He enjoyed himself, didn't drink and just loved life."

His funeral will be held at 3.30pm on Friday, at Bishopthorpe Crematorium, York.