FREDDIE Giles, the man that won over 200 rally and racing trophies and winner of the prestigious Around the World in 80 days competition, died at the age of 80 on July 4.

Born to parents Ted and Alice Giles on March 20, 1936, he grew up in Bromham and went onto attend Devizes Grammar School.

At the age of 15, Freddie, who was the youngest of four children, Betty, Frank and John, was pulled out of the school by his dad and went to work with him at Hawk Street Dairy, delivering milk.

Three years later he was called up for his national service and for two years he was stationed in Celle, Germany.

After his service he returned home and began work as a chimney sweep and a window cleaner to make a living.

Just a year later he set up his own coffee bar in Devizes, the first of its kind in the town before going onto set up a total of 12 restaurants, cafes and hotels across the south west.

"Freddie was just always ahead of the trend," said his wife Jan, whom he met back in 1968, through their love of motorsport, and they went onto have two children, Rob and Jon.

From there he set up a snooker club in Bath, that went onto become Cadillacs nightclub, in 1984 and then a shoe shop - however his true love and passion, was racing.

In his 20's he bought a Bentley 3L and at the age of 27 he started what would become a remarkable career behind the wheel, travelling across the globe in British vintage and classic cars.

In 1969, with a Hillman Hunter, he stormed to victory in the London to Sydney World Rally. After more than 30 years in circuit racing, he, joined by his co-driver wife, went onto endurance rallying.

It was here where he achieved his standout moment in 2000, beating off Porsches, Jaguars and Aston Martins in his Hillman Hunter, to win the 22,500 mile event of the Around the World Rally, which he led from start to finish.

"That was the ultimate achievement and the ultimate test that rally. He was just the best driver. He was under enormous pressure but it did not phase him," said Mrs Giles.

He retired from racing in 2011 at the age of 75 to end a glittering career. He also wrote an autobiography called Must I Grow Up? in 2008.

"We worked and played together for 48 years. He was a larger than life character. He packed a life and a half into his life," said Mrs Giles.

A celebration of his life will took place today (August 4) at Seend Park Farm, Semington, the place the couple have lived in since 1987.