Stroud's Dan Cooper competed in the infamous North West 200 road race this weekend, where he secured some solid top ten finishes, writes Alannah Fellows.

However, the event has been overshadowed following the tragic death of Simon Andrews.

In the first Supersport race Cooper finished in ninth position on his Tsing Tao Kawasaki after getting caught up in a crash on the first corner.

He continued on and crossed the line as the highest placed Kawasaki machine.

Entering the first Superstock race, the 26- year-old had a tough race followed by a slow start on his unfamiliar bike and crossed the line in 14th after making steady progress.

Cooper and his team made alterations to his bike for the second Supersport race which led to a steady opening lap for the builder and he was able to battle through and secure another fantastic result of eighth position and again finishing top Kawasaki rider.

However, his luck ran out for the remainder of the weekend as he was forced to retire from the second Superstock race and was unable to start the Superbike race, both due to mechanical errors.

Cooper said: " I am pleased with my performances in the races I competed in. With the equipment I have, the aim was to be in the top ten which I achieved.

"Also, to be the top Kawasaki rider in this class is very pleasing. And now I look forward to the Isle of Mann TT next week where we hope we can carry on with the success from the north west.

"The TT is my favourite road race to ride and I cant wait to get out on the roads."