A MOTORCYCLE safety event which has become a big family fun day proved as popular as ever with the public today (Sunday July 24).

Durham Police’s BikeWise event lived up to its billing as, “bigger and better”, as pledged in pre-publicity for the big annual showcase of the force’s motorcycling section.

It drew thousands of visitors, both biking enthusiasts and family day-trippers alike, to the grounds of force headquarters, at Aykley Heads, Durham.

Among the many attractions were Darlington-based stunt rider Dave Coates and Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness.

Freestyle motocross rider Jamie Squibb demonstrated his death-defying stunts while mountain bike display riders 3SIXTY wowed the crowds with their cycling skills.

Members of the force’s Police Interceptors team had the chance to meet some of the fans of their TV fly-on-the-wall tv appearances, while the police dog section displayed their canine skills to entertain the crowds.

Scotland’s premier tribal band Clann An Drumma provided a lively soundtrack and there was also a fun fair and an array of stalls.

Organiser, Sergeant Iain Rodgers said: “It was busy from the word go and it’s continued that way since.

“It was nice and sunny at the start and although we had a bit of a damp period, people just moved into the marquees, until it cleared.”

Sgt Rodgers said while primarily a chance to promote motorcycle and general road safety, it has become a popular family fun day.

“We drop in the safety messages gently round the site, almost subliminally, rather than in people’s faces.”

He estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors attended over the course of the day.