THOUSANDS of people converged on a police headquarters at the weekend to enjoy a feast of motorcycles and entertainment.

Bike Wise at Aykley Heads, Durham, has been sponsored since its inception in 1995 by Honda, and was organised by the motorcycle section of Durham Constabulary.

As well as plenty of family fun, the event was geared at promoting important road safety and security messages, particularly for motorcyclists.

Stunt rider Dave Coates, holder of the world speed record for riding a bike while facing backwards, put his skills to the test. Top national riders Andy Huddleston, a serving Durham bobby, and James Lampkin demonstrated their ability to ride over most obstacles.

As well as American cars and a range of vintage and modern production bikes, the force paraded for the first time one of its new armed response vehicles.

Specialists from the force's stolen vehicle squad were also on hand to offer security advice, while members of the public were offered hair-raising rides on a skid pan