THE growing campaign against the danger of speeding motorcyclists in the region has won its highest-profile supporter yet.

The Prince of Wales has given his approval to the campaign being run by North York Moors action group Bilsdale Against Noise and Danger (Band).

Although his position precludes him from adding his name to the list of famous people backing the campaign, he has made clear his concern.

A letter to Band from his office says: "His Royal Highness knows this special part of England well and so he can understand your concern about the dangers, to both people and wildlife, that are caused by bike racers on the roads."

Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley has also joined the campaign, along with actor Patrick Stewart, author AS Byatt, cricket legends Fred Trueman and Geoff Boycott, and former Tory leader and Richmond MP William Hague.

Band is calling for 50mph limits and speed cameras on the B1257 through the national park, and enhanced police action against speeding bikers who have given the road the nickname of the Yorkshire TT.

The prince's letter arrived as the police made clear they were not going to put up with "idiot bikers" over the bank holiday weekend.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "No one in North Yorkshire welcomes that tiny idiot minority who ride dangerously and whose anti-social behaviour ruins the quality of life of those who live here and those who come to enjoy our countryside."