BIKE enthusiasts have launched a scheme with police to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcyclists.

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

The awards will examine and develop motorcyclists' riding skills, working closely with the police's motorcycle section to improve rider safety.

Every year, numerous motorcyclists die on the region's roads, particularly in the North Yorkshire area, where bike accidents account for a high number of collisions each year.

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 oneto- one advice and highlight areas for improvement.

The rider will then have to undertake a theory test. In only 18 months, several sponsored rides have raised more than £110,000 for Boundary 500's two charities.

A trust has now been set up to manage the group.

Simon 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 new campaign is particularly aimed at those who may be learning to motorcycle."

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.

"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."

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.