More bikers' lives appear likely to be lost on a region'sroads than last year - the worst on record.

By March last year, two motorcyclists had been killed in accidents in North Yorkshire, although another 21 would lose their lives before the year was out.

This year, the figure already stands at five dead, with another 12 seriously injured.

"I have to admit it looks very ominous,'' said North Yorkshire police spokesman, Ron Johnson.

"It has got to the stage where traffic officers look at the weather forecast and, if it's fine, go to work anticipating they will be dealing with a serious accident involving a motorcyclist.

"All we can do is repeat our appeals, urging both bikers and drivers to take care.''

Mark Lofthouse, 31, of Woodside, Leyburn, is the latest motorcyclist to die in an accident in the county.

He lost his life when his powerful blue and white Suzuki was involved in an accident with a tractor, towing a muck-spreader on the A684, near Worton, in Wensleydale.

Anyone who may have witness the collision, or who suspects they may have passed the bike shortly before the accident, just after 7pm on Sunday, is asked to contact the police on (01423) 539474.