ORGANISERS of the popular Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show are to hand over £10,000 to good causes after a bumper year which saw them raise twice as much as ever before.

Good weather and an unusual biker wedding helped the event in Rawtenstall in September become the most successful in the show's nine-year history, attracting more than 40,000 people.

The team, which is already looking forward to the 10th anniversary show later this year, is now looking forward to presenting a cheque for £10,000 to more than 40 local and national charities.

Those set to benefit from 2001's bumper windfall including Civic Pride, British Polio Fellowship, Rossendale Hospice, the September 11 Appeal and Save the Children.

The money will be handed over on Monday at Rossendale United Sports and Social Club in Dark Lane, Newchurch.

At the show's annual meeting at the Glory pub, Loveclough, president Fred Tolley gave a personal vote of thanks to the team.

He said: "There is no need to mention that the 2001 show was the most successful yet.

"Standing back and taking a punter's point of view, the show ran as faultlessly as ever, which is a true reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the team organising the event and the many volunteers who turn out on the day to help."

He also thanked Rossendale Borough Council and said the success of last year's show was also due in part to the unique wedding of Pippa Baggs and bike show committee member Simon Tiller.

Pippa led 1,500 bikers to the ceremony at St Mary's Chambers, Rawtenstall.

In addition. the show was allowed to ask bikers parking in the town centre for a donation, ensuring a good sum was raised for charity.

Other groups also used the day to raise funds including local firefighters, who collected £3,060 for the New York Firefighters Fund, Longholme Methodist Church, which raised £707, and Asda, which topped £2,000 for adults at Ewood Day Centre in Haslingden.

The £10,000 giveaway is double last year's total and the largest sum the show has handed out in its nine-year history.

Plans are now under way for the tenth anniversary show on September 22.

The committee is plans a number of attractions including, hopefully, a ride in from the borough's twin town of Bocholt and a spectacular motocross event.