THE region's motorcyclists are among the least likely in the country to suffer an accident, according to research.

Carole Nash Insurance Consultants investigated claims from among its 220,000 policy holders.

The report found that bikers in Darlington were more then seven times less likely to be involved in an accident than those from the worst area, London's EC postcode area.

The study found that bikers in the North-East generally enjoyed a good accident record, with Darlington ranked 20th safest of 120 postcode areas, Durham 13th, Newcastle 18th, Sunderland 26th and Middlesbrough 33rd.

Claims manager Dave Bowcock said: "The North-East enjoys a good accident record which will be the envy of many.