BIKE show organisers are lending their support to the campaign to keep to Rossendale Museum open.

This Sunday more than 40,000 people are expected to pack Rawtenstall for the tenth anniversary show which promises to be the biggest and best yet.

Rossendale Council announced last month that the museum, in Whitaker Park, and four other leisure facilities are to close as part of a cost cutting exercise to recoup financial reserves.

The plans have met with a storm of protest and campaigners have already got more than 1,000 signatures on a petition against the closure.

Chairman of Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show, Tony Winder said: "The museum is part of Rossendale's heritage it has been in the park for 100 years providing pleasure to thousands of people.

"We have agreed to let the friends collect signatures and also provide marshals to help with organising the event.

"Because we appreciate the urgency of the campaign, as a committee we have also taken the unusual step of agreeing to advance some of the proceeds from the event if the friends provide the show with marshals."

Stuntman Eddie Kidd will be opening the event which has even more attractions.

Newhallhey is going to be host to a variety of activities including, motorcycle football, mini speedway events and a trials competition.

Stunts make a welcome return on a section of Bocholt Way and Asda's car park plays host to the North of England Minimoto Championships.