A MOTORBIKE enthusiast is appealing to the older generation in the hopes of writing a history of his favourite mode of transport.

Chris Potter, 42, is taking a Phd at Northumbria University and is looking for help to complete his paper on the "Social and Cultural Importance of the Motorcycle Between the Wars - 1918 to 1939".

The father of two, from Victoria Avenue, Crook, County Durham, is hoping that people who used motorbikes to get around in those days, will come forward and share their experiences with him.

He said: "They will probably be in their 80s or 90s, or those who rode on the back of their parents' bikes may be younger. I just want them to share their memories.''

Mr Potter said a lot has been written about the history of the motorbike industry and sport, but feels not enough has been catalogued about it's importance to social history.

He said: "Nobody has written about the people. Just after the First World War, between 1922 and 1925, there were more motorbikes on the road than cars.''

Anyone who is able to help Mr Potter with his research should contact him on (01388) 767021.