BIKERS are being warned they could be revving up for a ride to court.

They are being told to stay out of a protected dune haven for rare plants and nesting birds - or be brought to court and fined up to £20,000.

The motorcyclists are wrecking sites of international special interest and protection at South Gare, near Redcar.

About 60 riders have been confronted by Cleveland Police officers, officials of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Corus's security patrols.

The bikers claimed they thought their activities were lawful, but the protected area covers the whole beach and sand dune areas on both Corus and Redcar and Cleveland land from the Gare to the site of the old Redcar Pier at the end of the promenade.

Police Inspector Mick Bennett said: "I hope the increased police activity in the area, aimed at talking to the riders and explaining the situation, will persuade them to respect this important site.

"There is a time and place for everything and the land at South Gare is no place for off- road motorcyclists.''

Peter Lane, the council's head of leisure services, said: "We are committed to ensuring the public are allowed to enjoy all the features of this site and will continue to afford the area the protection it needs."