A MAN is taking a vintage motorcycle on the road in tribute to a friend who helped him to rebuild it.

Barry Adamson, of Northallerton, spent nine months restoring the 40-year-old bike. He gave it a complete makeover, doing most of the work, including the paintwork, himself.

But the wheels were made by Northallerton postman and motorbike enthusiast, Peter Harrison. Mr Harrison died of cancer in April at the age of 58, just five weeks after being diagnosed.

Now Mr Adamson is planning to take his rebuilt bike to the annual Cock O' The North event at Oliver's Mount in Scarborough in memory of Mr Harrison, who was known in Northallerton as Postie Pete.

Mr Adamson will parade the machine this weekend at the motorcycle racing event, which is organised by the Auto 66 Club.

He is being sponsored to take part in the event to raise money for the Macmillan nurses based in Northallerton.

"I've never been sponsored to do anything like this before," he said. "But everyone is being very generous."

The Tithe Bar in Northallerton is collecting sponsorship on behalf of Mr Adamson.