ORGANISERS of Europe's largest town centre motorbike show are gearing up to raise a bumper total for charity.

Crowds totalling 35,000 are anticipated in Rawtenstall on September 23 when the ninth Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show is held.

Show chairman Tony Winder said: "We are looking forward to a bumper year for charity. The response we have had from companies has been very encouraging and we have three major trade stands, Triumph, Honda and KTM."

There are five 'ride-ins' this year which will join in with the massive 'bride-in' from Winfields in Haslingden when 1,500 bikes and trikes will depart at 11.30am along the Haslingden by-pass, past Road End and on to Rawtenstall.

Leading the parade will be Pip Baggs on a trike. She is marrying committee member Simon Tiller at St Mary's Chambers during the show.

Information on the 'bride-in' will be submitted to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest bridal procession.

Bikers wanting to join the ride-ins can go to Squire's Cafe, Sherburn-in Elmut, for 8.30am; Rivington Barn, Horwich, or Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, or Heartshead Moor service station Westbound on the M62 for 9am.

Vintage bikes to the Britannia Inn, Guide, for 10.30am.

Rossendale Transport has provided a bus for the wedding party to travel to Winfields to see Pip off. Bikers parking in the town centre will be charged £5 and participants in the ride-in will also be charged £5, which includes town centre parking. All the money goes to charity.