HUNDREDS of motorcycle enthusiasts loosened their leathers at the 25th Hoghton Tower races on the hottest weekend of the year so far.

The historic course, which uses an eight-mile section of the tower's main driveway, was lined with bikes old and new.

Yamaha, Suzuki, Harley Davidson and Honda were all represented in the event, hosted by Sir Bernard and Lady de Hoghton and organisers. The sprint has become one of the most popular events of its kind.

Competitors arrived from as far afield as Scotland, Ireland and the South West for their 20 seconds of glory.

The youngest rider was 16-year-old Steven Anderton on a 1989 Honda 125cc in the class six modern solo.

Wiganer Richard Warlow, 42, returned to defend his four-year hold of the title for fastest overall time of the day on his ZZR 1100 Kawasaki.

He said: "This is event is a real leveller and no matter how expensive the bike is it takes real skill to set off. You can't buy technique and that is what counts to win here."

Sir Bernard who manned the entrance said: "It is a really fun event for everyone and goes from strength to strength."