The 27-year-old Yorkshireman is not only a whizz on the racetrack, he's also dazzling on the piano.

And as it was his grandmother who first taught him to play at the age of six, the grade-six pianist was delighted to be invited to play for elderly residents and their families at Troutbeck Care Home in Ilkley, even though he knew it was unlikely anyone would have a clue who he was.

"Not unless one of them has got a grandson that's really into motorcycle racing."

He added: "My great-gran and grandpa were in a care home and I used to go with my gran to visit them and I realised then there's these amazing characters in these places."

Relaxing

Toseland became the youngest-ever World Superbike Champion at just 23-years- old but is also passionate about music – and before discovering racing, dreamed of being a professional pianist.

But he said it was impossible to compare racing at up to 200mph with tinkling the ivories. He added: "It's relaxing – it's the only thing that takes my mind off racing."

Toseland was invited to perform by his personal sponsor Phil Burgan, who co-founded the Phil Burgan Race Academy (PBRA) – a programme for developing British youth talent in motorcycle sport and owns the Leeds-based Maria Mallaband Care Group.

The multi-talented racer said it was the perfect opportunity to thank him for his support.

The South-Yorkshire born star is Britain's only contender in the 2008 MotoGP series and is fast becoming as well-known for his musical prowess as his racing ability since his live performance at the 2007 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

And he not only plays, he also sings and writes his own songs. He's already penned one for his brother's wedding and is writing another for his mum's in December.

His band Crash have played to thousands and he's in talks with Sony to sign a record deal.

Home manager Enid Harris said Toseland's performance, along with youngsters from Westville House School Choir, was a real treat for residents.

But it wasn't the first time an accomplished musician had taken centre stage.

The home was previously The Troutbeck Hotel, which hosted guitar legend Jimi Hendrix's historic Ilkley gig in March 1967 when around 900 fans squeezed in – 700 people more than it could accommodate.

Prince Charles is also said to have stayed the night at the hotel, although not on that same evening.

debbie.leigh@ypn.co.uk