POLICE are mounting an operation this weekend to protect wildlife and wild flower habitats from being wrecked by bikers.

Cleveland Police are following up two weekend crackdowns on trial bikes using protected dunes at South Gare, near Redcar.

Failing to stay away from their motocross-type circuit could cost the culprits fines of up to £20,000 under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

Sergeant Joe Jessop, of Cleveland Police's traffic department, said: "Obviously, after a period of time we stop giving warnings."

English Nature says it welcomes the police action. Motorbikes not only disturb sensitive wildlife, but gouge tracks through the dunes.