THE world's toughest one-day motorcycle trial, which is held annually in the Dales, has raised £8,000 for local charities.

Last week, Richmond Motor Club presented the money to local charities and organisations, including schools, nursing homes and playgroups.

The money was raised through the 2004 Scott Motorcycle Trial, an event which has raised more than £56,000 for charity since 1991, when the club took over the trial's organisation.

The Scott Trial was created by Saltaire motorcycle manufacturer Alfred Scott in 1913 when, to test his products, he gave his employees a day out in the Yorkshire Dales riding his world-famous Scott twin-cylinder machines.

The trial has taken place annually in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale since 1950, with riders travelling from all over of the world to compete.

Despite wet weather the day before the October event, 200 riders set off on the gruelling 75-mile course, with 68 managing to reach the finish within the time limit.

The money was raised by the riders, sales of programmes, programme sponsors, and £1,800 of the total was raised by the Scott Auction, held at the event's awards presentation evening.

The money was distributed to charities and groups such as Swaledale Mountain Rescue, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

John Fraser, clerk of course, said: "The Scott Trial has received tremendous support and help from all the landowners, farmers, gamekeepers and the local community. I would like to thank them for their co-operation because without them the trial could not continue."