THE glory days of British motorcycling were recreated on the rural roads of the North-East at the weekend.

Nearly 100 vintage motorcycles, cycle cars, tricycles, micro-cars and light cars, all manufactured in 1979 or before, took part in the 33rd Beamish Trophy Rally.

The event started at the New Board Inn, Hilltop, Esh, and followed its usual route over 100 miles of the Northern Dales in Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland.

The event is based on the Travers Trophy Trial of the 1920s and a South Shields MC Trial of about 1926.

Durham Classic Motorcycle Club secretary Pete Robson said: "It was a very successful day. Of the 97 starters, 89 made it to the finishing point. Those who didn't were mainly due to mechanical breakdowns.

"When you have motorcycles as old as 1918 and 1925, it is to be expected. But there were no mishaps."

Mr Robson said contestants had strong winds to contend with and a water crossing at Westgate Ford, near Stanhope.

He said: "All entrants had to cross the ford, which was a little deeper than usual. It was quite slippy and a few people fell off.

"But they were going slowly and the only thing that got hurt was their pride."

The entrants had a number of test hills, some of which were untarred, and had their knowledge of the highway code and motoring history tested.

The route took them through Stanhope, Westgate, Nenthead, Allenheads, Rookhope, Stanhope Dene, Blanchland, Shotley Bridge, Maiden Law and Langley Park before returning to their starting point.

There were 24 class awards, with every entrant getting a badge and date bar.

The oldest motorcycle was a 1918 550cc Triumph - or flat tanker as it is known - ridden by Noel Whittal.