TT hero Guy Martin has withdrawn from next week's Southern 100.

The popular motorcycle racer was due to make his road racing comeback at the event following his big crash at Ballagarey during the Senior TT last month.

Guy suffered back injuries, broken ribs and a punctured lung in the accident on Friday, June 11 and was subsequently treated in Noble's Hospital, Braddan.

Guy said: "I'm gutted that I can’t compete at Billown and attempt to regain my Solo Championship title I won last year.

"However the medical people have advised me to wait a bit longer to let my injuries heal 100 per cent and I have, for once, gone along with their advice.

"But for sure I will be back again next year, as eager as ever to lift the Southern 100 Solo Championship at the best meeting of the year."

Race secretary George Peach said: "I like everyone else involved with the Southern 100 was looking forward to seeing Guy in action again at Billown, especially so after his spill in the Senior TT, but would rather wait 12 months for him to be fully fit, than to risk possibly harming himself by coming back too early.

"Even with the loss of Guy, the quality and depth of the entry at next week's 55th Southern 100 will mean the racing will be as close and as exciting as ever."

The Southern 100 runs from July 12 to July 15.