A MAJOR purge has been launched in a bid to clear illegal off-road bike riders from the sand dunes between Redcar's Coatham area and South Gare.

Operation Sandstorm is a multi-agency partnership involving Cleveland Police, Redcar and Cleveland Council, landowners Corus and PD Ports, English Nature and other local environmental groups, as well as motorcycle clubs.

Police on off-road bikes have already warned bikers that they have the power to issue on-the-spot fines or confiscate their bikes or quad bikes.

The area is designated as a site of special scientific interest, making it illegal to take vehicles on it.

Crime prevention officer Jim Brown said: "We have already been out on patrol this month issuing warnings, and we are determined to take direct action in a bid to crackdown on this practice."

The council's cabinet member for environmental improvement, Coun Bob Stanway, said the type of damage caused by off-roaders could carry a fine of up to £20,000.

"We want to stop these dunes being worn away beyond repair," he added.

A Corus spokeswoman said the company hoped the local community would fully support efforts to protect the area and its wildlife.

Peter Moon, of Middlebrough Motor Club, said members backed the initiative He said: "As a club, we are experiencing more and more problems in obtaining permission to run our events because of the actions of the cowboys, who have no regard for the feelings of other users of the countryside."

Mike Leakey, English Nature's conservation officer, added: "We strongly condemn the abuse of our precious sand dune habitats and are determined to work alongside the police, the council and key landowners to prevent these activities."