FEARLESS motorbike riders showed off their skills to a record crowd of 12,000 at the annual Bikewise event at Durham Police headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham City.

Visitors enjoyed a display by trials bike champions Andy and Chris Huddleston, and stunt riding by Dave Coates, of Darlington, who holds the world record for riding backwards.

The force's own PC Alison Bonar, 32, put the world's fastest road bike, the Honda 1,000cc Fireblade, through its paces.

There was also quad bike riding and a display by the police dog section, trade stands and displays of old police vehicles.

Weardale musician Richard John Thompson and his band gave a concert, and the region's air ambulance made a visit.

Visitors could also test their driving skills on a skid pan and see the weapons the force's armed response vehicles carry.

Bikewise, organised by Durham Police, aims to improve police relationships with motorcyclists and help to reduce the number who die or who are injured on the county's roads each year.

The event will have raised an estimated £4,000 to £5,000 for local charities.