BIKERS will be revving up to join a 10,000-strong crowd expected to descend on the North-East this weekend.

Darlington and Durham police force's motorcycle section is staging its annual Bikewise event at its headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham City, on Sunday.

Guests include world superbike champion James Toseland, along with British Superbike Championship leader Michael Rutter and British Supersport champion Karl Harris.

Bikewise, which was first launched in 1995, will featuring the appearance of top sportsmen and an array of stunts.

However, the day also provides police with the opportunity to get across road safety and important crime prevention messages.

The three riders have already volunteered their support for the force's latest "wait-a-second" safety message designed to cut motorcycle deaths - particularly on the minor rural roads in the west of the county.

Over the past four years, ten riders have died across the force area in more than 50 accidents - a significant proportion in Weardale and Teesdale.

In addition to the track stars, two national trials bike champions, Andy Huddleston and Michael Phillipson, will put their machines through their paces and Dave Coates, who holds the world record for riding backwards, will be joined by his wife, Sandra, in a stunt-riding demonstration.

The event will get under way at 10am and admission is £1 for adults and free for children.

Parking is available on the site and proceeds from the day will go to local charities.

The event has its own website, www.durham.police.uk /bikewise, where details of events are listed.