VINTAGE and classic motorcycles provided a throwback to a scene of yesteryear on rural roads round the North-East yesterday.

A total of 88 machines, including cycle cars, tricycles, micro cars and motorcycles, all dating from pre-1979, set off on a 100-mile-plus course during the 34th Beamish Trophy Trial.

Several hours later, all but a couple made it safely back to the New Board Inn, at Hill Top, Esh Village, near Durham.

Along the way, several had minor mishaps, including a couple of riders who were "unseated" in off-road sections, high in the North Pennines.

But, organisers said the event proved a great success, with large crowds particularly enjoying casting a glance over the array of vehicles during the lunch stop in Allenheads.

"A few limped home, and several required running repairs along the way, but all but one or two made it," said Pete Robson, secretary of Durham Classic Motorcycle Club, which has staged the event for the past eight years.

"One problem seems to have been with petrol.

"We had reports of people running out along the way as one of the filling stations that used to be on the route has closed since last year. We might have to slightly amend the route in future to take it past more filling stations.

Details of 16 award winners, whose performance is partly based on knowledge of the Highway Code, will be announced later.