A POPULAR motorsport event will celebrate its centenary year when it accelerates into action this weekend.

Richmond Motor Club, organisers of the Scott Trial based in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale in North Yorkshire, hope to raise more than £10,000 for its charities, which include the Great North Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team.

Chris Wallis, secretary of the trial, which takes place on Saturday, October 18, and part of the organising committee, said: “The Scott is known for showing that our Yorkshire trial riders are some of the toughest and best in the country and can compete with the very best.

“The course varies each year, but a constant is that it always showcases the wonderful Upper Dales scenery in all its glory.

“Another constant is the fantastic cash it raises annually for local good causes.”

The trials started in 1914 when founder of the Scott Motorcycle Company, Alfred Scott, challenged his workers to ride and navigate from the factory in Shipley through the Yorkshire Dales to Burnsall.

Of the 14 that started, nine finished – but the event became a permanent calendar fixture.

To date Richmond Motor Club has donated around £137,000 to local causes.

This year Shildon-based Barrier Energy and Darlington-based Northern Distribution Ltd are each pledging £1,000 towards the Scott Charities.

Kevin and Barry Johnson from Barrier Energy, and Trevor Willans from Northern Distribution Ltd, have put together a team of veteran trials riders to complete a non-competitive relay ride.

The team has been assembled with the help of long time Scott enthusiast Nigel Mackenzie, and consists of five riders, all of whom were multiple award winners in the event during the 1970s and 1980s.

Between them the team has collected 16 silver and three gold awards.

At the head of the team will be Finland's 61-year-old trials legend Yrjo Vesterinen. A triple world champion in the 1976, 1977 and 1978, and British Champion in 1982, he is guaranteed to draw the crowds.

He will be joined by Glen Scholey from Ripon, Mark Willis from Richmond, Trevor Willans from Piercebridge, and Joe Buckworth from Guisborough.

The Scott Trial will be officially opened by leader of Richmondshire District Council Cllr John Blackie.

The event, which starts at 9am near Feldom Ranges, includes a special exhibition of every past Scott Trial programme and bikes from each decade that it has taken place.

For more information visit www.richmondmotorclub.com.