THE ANNUAL Beamish Safety and Reliability Run will be held on Father's Day next month, it has been revealed.

The 43rd event of its kind, following some of the motor trial and test routes of the 1920s and 1930s, will start leaving the Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, from 8.30am on Sunday, June 16.

The 155-mile route wends its way through unspoilt Durham countryside, via Barnard Castle, then through the Yorkshire Dales.

A lunchtime stop will be held at the village green of Bainbridge, in Wensleydale, before the rally returns via Britain's highest pub at Tan Hill, and Stanhope, before finishing at Beamish from about 4pm.

Organiser George Jolley said all vehicles must have been manufactured and registered before December 31, 1956, while for the first time the event will be allowing all motorcycles manufactured in 1960 and before.

He added: “We go over the route three to five times a year to check for any problems.

“We noticed one or two drystone walls that have fallen down and need to be repaired. But otherwise having reconnoitered the route, it is all systems go for June 16.

“We have already had 120 entries and there are more to come.”

Entry costs £15, including free postings. For further details contact Mr Jolley on 0191-5360929.