MOTORCYCLISTS from all over the country revved into East Lancashire yesterday for the 24th annual Hoghton Tower Sprint.

More than 100 riders took part in the race at the historical home of Sir Bernard and Lady de Hoghton.

Mel Simpson, secretary of organisers North Western Centre of the Auto Cycle Union, said: "We would like to thank the home's owners for their dedication and enthusiasm of this event.

"We have a wide variety of machines from all over the country as far as Suffolk, Twickenham, Milton Keynes, across Lancashire and up to Berwickshire.

"We strive to organise events to the highest possible standards of safety and interest so whether people go to watch, officiate, or compete, we hope it's enjoyable for everyone."

Riders were split into classic and vintage sections.

Among the competitors was Andrew Jenkin, 33, from Union Road, in Oswaldtwistle. On the back of his 1970 Triumph Trident, he holds the record sprint time of 8.9 seconds for the classic four stroke section.

He said: "It's a fantastic event to come to because it's local and there is a good atmosphere."

He was joined by his son, Chris, five, and had the support of his father, who would have been riding if not for a leg injury he sustained in training.

Philip Rushworth, 36, of Havelock Street, Oswaldtwistle, competing in his second tower sprint, said: "I do it for fun really. I've been to Eastern Europe on my BMW Paris Dakar replica and I'm riding to Iceland in July, so it's all a bit of fun for me."

Police and ambulance crews were on site in case of accidents.

Andy Boyle, rescue technician with Ambulance Pennine Rescue, said: "As well as providing ambulance services we are also equipped to deal with fires.

"This can be a dangerous sport and we are here to make it as safe as possible."