CONSETT policeman Andy Huddlestone has just become one of the world's premier trial bike stars.

Sgt Huddlestone beat some of the highest ranked trial bikers in the world, many of whom are professional, in the six-day International Motorcycle Trials in Scotland.

The town centre bobbie, who lives in Weardale, came fourth out of 270 riders that included five of the top 15 in the world and the top ten in Britain.

Sgt Huddlestone, 25, who lives near Frosterley, said: "I've been riding since I was six years old and competing since I was seven but this is the pinnacle of my career.

"There were professional riders there so there was a bit of unease, shall we say, when I beat a few of them.

"It's great fun but it all comes second to my police work."

Sgt Huddlestone, who rides a Montesa Honda supplied by Sandyford Motorcycles, said that competitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Sweden and Spain took part in the event.

Recently he showed off his skills to pupils at Staindrop Comprehensive School, near Barnard Castle. He performed wheelies and other controlled riding demonstrations to help promote an even more spectacular display being staged in Staindrop next month.

Sgt Huddlestone is one of the main attractions at the South West Durham summer fair at the school on Saturday, June 14.

The fair, organised by the school and Teesdale Youth Community Group, also includes displays by the Durham Force police dogs, South West Durham Pipe Band, street entertainers and birds of prey.