EASY-RIDING police will be kings of the road when they get in the saddle of the country's only Harley Davidson police bike.

PC Andy Johnston, of Northumbria Police, yesterday took delivery of the 1450cc Road King, in full police livery and fitted with sirens and blue lights.

It is being sponsored by Just Harleys, based in Sandyford, Newcastle.

Affectionately known as Harleys by their legions of fans, the ultra-cool bikes were made famous in the film Easy Rider and remain the machine of choice among countless gangs of Hell's Angels.

Hamburg Police are the only force in Europe to use the classic bikes in police work - but now Northumbria Police have become the first in the UK to take delivery of the powerful motorbike.

PC Johnston said: "We already use a variety of unmarked bikes, which are supplied to us by local dealers.

"The Road King is something different, especially with it being in police livery.

"There hasn't been anything like it in this country before so it's going to attract a lot of interest. We try to engage with all sections of the motorcycle community."

The Harley is on loan until the end of October. It will be used for general patrols and to back up the Weekender scheme, which promotes safe motorbike riding.

Bikers who commit minor infringements are given a yellow card warning by police.

Further misdemeanours result in a red card where the offender is given the option of taking a rider improvement course or a court appearance.

The course costs £155 and takes two days but successfully completing it means no prosecution, no fine and no penalty points.

Last year, hundreds of yellow card leaflets were handed out but 12 people were handed the red card.

Bikers caught speeding or driving dangerously will not qualify for the scheme and can be sent directly to court for a fine.

* Northumbria Police are hosting a series of free motorbike master classes at their headquarters in Ponteland.

For further details, contact 0191-221 8770.