MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts have launched a scheme with police to reduce the number of accidents involving bikers.

The Boundary 500 Motorcycle Club promotes safer motorcycling activities, which have raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance and Zoe's Place children's hospice, in Middlesbrough.

The club is working with Cleveland Police and Simon Bailes Peugeot to launch the Simon Bailes Boundary Motorcycle Road Safety Rider Awards.

The scheme will examine and develop motorcyclists' riding skills, working closely with Cleveland Police's motorcycle section to improve rider safety.

Boundary 500's founder, Brian Laverick, a retired Cleveland Police officer who was in charge of the motorcycle section, has developed a stringent assessment process for the awards, with the help of Cleveland Police.

Each entrant will spend half a day with an advanced police motorcyclist who will provide one-to-one advice and highlight areas for improvement.

The rider will then have to complete a theory paper.

Mr Bailes, of Simon Bailes Peugeot, said: "As a father of three young boys, and having had friends who have lost children in road accidents, I am passionate about ensuring this scheme is a major success and continues to grow.

"For many years, I have been involved in developing and supporting talented young people all over the North-East, as part of our company values, and this campaign is particularly aimed at those who may be learning to motorcycle for the first time."

Sergeant Nick Walker, who is in charge of Cleveland Police's motorcycle section, said: "Our section is very supportive of the work that Brian and his Boundary team have put in over recent years, and we want to invest in this worthwhile programme to help riders improve their skills.

"We recognise that on Boundary events, some riders have not had the benefit of long-distance riding, and we hope that we can pass on some of our experience, not only to improve riding skills, but also to recognise signs of fatigue and drops in concentration levels."

Entry to the awards, which are open until September, is £5. Funds raised will go to the Great North Air Ambulance and Zoe's Place Children's Hospice.

In 18 months, sponsored rides have raised more than £110,000 for Boundary 500's two charities. A trust has been set up to manage the group.