VETERAN biker Ronald Owen-Smith has gone back to college in his 80th year to keep his classic machines on the road.

After scouring the country for spare parts for his 1918 and 1919 Rover motorcycles, the 79-year-old drew a blank.

So he decided to enrol on a practical machinery course at Darlington College of Technology and now uses its workshops to make his own parts.

"I've been a biker since 1939 and needed some parts making," said Mr Owen-Smith, of Middleton St George, near Darlington.

"I came to see the head of department about having them made at the college and he said why didn't I join up and make them myself.

"It's impossible to get spare parts - it's hard enough just to get the specifications. So the only answer is to get them cast and machine them yourself.

"I think I must be about the oldest student at the college, but I can't just sit about and this keeps me occupied. They are great at the college - very helpful and supportive."

Mr Owen-Smith also has three Royal Enfields and two BSAs, which he intends to sell when he has restored them.