[3] Lees, born in Bury, raced in the first recognised speedway meeting held in Manchester on 3 March 1928.

In 1931, Lees moved onto Preston and was selected to ride for England against Australia in the third test match at Wembley.

He impressed so much that he was signed up to ride for the Wembley Lions in 1932 when he won the inaugural National League.

[7] Lees also appeared in the 1933 British film Money for Speed which starred John Loder, Ida Lupino, Cyril McLaglen and Moore Marriott.

Lionel van Praag, Frank Varey and speedway promoter Johnnie Hoskins also featured.