A VETERAN motorcycle racer is coming out of retirement to raise money for local charities.

Neil Metcalfe, who lives in Newton Aycliffe, says his appearance in Ireland's famous road race, the Coca Cola North West 200, will be his swansong.

Mr Metcalfe, 37, who was born and grew up in Darlington, is a former national champion who has been racing for about seven years. He officially retired last year, but has decided to have one last go at the Ireland race.

Mr Metcalfe is hoping to raise £3,000 for his chosen causes - the Children's Diabetic Fund at South Tyneside Hospital, the Children's Cancer Care Charity at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, and Glendene Special School, Easington.

He also hopes to do better in the race than in his previous attempts, which saw him fail to complete the course twice.

He said: "I've had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra, but this is going to be my swansong. I've done the race before and crashed out, but I'm going to try and stay on the bike this time."

Mr Metcalfe hopes to reach an average speed of 110mph on the nine-mile circuit around Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart, with a top speed of 185mph.

He has already received support from Neil Stevens Vehicle Repairs, at Middleton St George, near Darlington, Coxhoe Services and Supply and Thrislington Engineering, at Newton Aycliffe.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Metcalfe for the race, which takes place in mid-May, can contact him on 0777 4213391.