FEARLESS motorbike riders showed off their skills on two wheels at a fun day yesterday.

Thousands of people turned up for the annual Bikewise event at Durham Police headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham.

They enjoyed a display by trials bike champions Andy and Chris Huddleston, and a stunt riding demonstration by Dave Coates, of Darlington, who holds the world record for riding backwards.

The force's own PC Alison Bonar, 32, put the world's fastest road bike, the Honda 1,000cc Fireblade, through its paces.

There was also quad bike riding and a display by the police dog section, trade stands and displays of old police vehicles.

Weardale musician Richard John Thompson and his band gave a concert, and the region's air ambulance made a visit.

Visitors could also test their driving skills on a skid pan and see the weapons the force's armed response vehicles carry.

The event, organised by Durham Constabulary, aims to improve its relationship with motorcyclists and help reduce the number who die or are injured on the county's roads each year.