THE North's fastest police woman on two wheels will be one of the attractions at Sunday's tenth Bikewise fun day in Durham.

Alison Bonar, 32, is the only female officer from the Tweed to the Humber to have mastered the heavyweight Honda Pan European bike, which can do up to 140mph.

PC Bonar, who is based at Durham Police HQ at Aykley Heads, last month switched from cars to bikes after gaining her advanced motorcycling ticket and an off-road biking qualification. She will appear at the event along with the world's fastest bike, the Honda 1000cc Fireblade, which can reach 180mph.

The fun day, which attracts thousands of people each year, takes place on Sunday, at the Aykley Heads headquarters.

Among the other attractions will be an arena display by trials bike champions Andy and Chris Huddleston and a stunt riding demonstration by Dave Coates, who holds the world record for riding backwards.

Acclaimed Weardale musician Richard John Thompson will perform live with his band during the fun day. For youngsters there will be quad bike riding and a display by the dog section, trade stands and displays of old police vehicles.

Visitors can also see the region's air ambulance, test their driving skill on the skid pan and see the guns the force's armed response vehicles carry.

The force's casualty reduction team will be screening a 'shock' video highlighting the reality of road accidents.

Sgt Bob Brown, head of the motorcycle section and one of the event's organisers, said eight motorcycle riders and one pillion passenger died last year.

"The police in Durham have for some years been working alongside those in the motorcycling community and much has been done to cultivate improved trust and mutual understanding. The freedom of riding a motor bike on the open roads has a lot to recommend it. But we are urging riders to show respect for the communities they pass through, respect for other road users and respect for their own lives."

The event runs from 10am until 5pm and admission costs £1 for adults but is free for children. Proceeds will go to charity.

* Police say 7,000 leaflets distributed in Derwentside wrongly give the date of Bikewise as taking place next weekend.