The Imps motorcycle group cancels future shows

The Imps Motorcycle Display Team was founded in 1970 by Roy Pratt MBE and Bryan Stewart.

The duo met when they were tasked as sea scouts in their 20s to run activity weekends for children before birthing the idea of a charity group that performs motorcycle displays.

On July 28, a post was made by The Imps announcing the cancellation of all future shows until further notice.

The Imps were founded in 1970 (Image: The Imps Motorcycle Display Team) It said: “After much careful thought and with heavy hearts, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel all further Imps performances, effective immediately.

“We know how deeply this will affect the Imps children, their families, and the many thousands who have supported and been inspired by the team over the decades.

“Like you, we would love nothing more than to continue without interruption, but we must be honest about the moment we find ourselves in.”

The news comes only two months after the death of Roy on May 25 at the age of 86.

Roy Pratt MBE died on May 25 (Image: The Imps Motorcycle Group) Bryan previously told the Recorder: “He (Roy) always made time to give support to kids in need – very often they were kids from single parent families or kids with behaviour problems.

“Absolutely everything revolved around the kids.”

The statement on Facebook said that a recent review of the organisation highlighted several “critical areas that need attention” before any future activity could even be considered.

These areas were not named explicitly but were described as “not easy fixes” requiring “time, care and thoughtful reflection”.

The post said: “To press on regardless would risk compromising the very standards and values that made The Imps what they are.

There will be no shows until further notice (Image: The Imps Motorcycle Display Team) “Roy Pratt MBE devoted more than 50 years to building something extraordinary; a team that stood for courage, discipline, and self-belief.