AN iconic Dales motorcycle trial is soon celebrating its centenary and County Durham businessmen are joining forces to raise thousands for its charity fund.

On October 18, The Scott Motorcycle Trial, held in and around Reeth and Arkengarthdale, will celebrate 100 years since it was first launched by Alfred Scott, founder of the Scott Motorcycle Company.

Over the years the event has been held at different locations across the North and each year it raises thousands for charity through the Scott Charities List.

Among those contributing this year are business directors Kevin and Barry Johnson from Shildon-based Barrier Energy and Trevor Willans from Northern Distribution Ltd, based in Darlington.

Each company has pledged £1,000 to the Charities List, with the desire that a contribution goes to the Great North Air Ambulance as they have all benefitted from its service either directly or via family members.

The businessmen have put together a team of veteran trial riders, the Barrier Energy / Northern Distribution Charity Team, to complete the Scott Trial in a non-competitive 'relay' ride.

It will be headed by Finland's 61 year old trials legend Yrjo Vesterinen - a triple world champion from 1976 to 1978, and British Champion in 1982 – and it is hoped their efforts will raise even more than the £2,000 already pledged.

For more information about the Trial and for all donations, visit richmondmotorclub.com or contact Trevor Willans on 01325-460358 or Kevin and Barry Johnson on 01388-776833.