SPONSORS are being sought for Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show's wedding of the year when Pip Baggs and Simon Tiller say "I do" in front of 35,000 well wishers!

The couple are hoping their wedding on September 23 will encourage the crowds to turn out for the bike show and help raise money for charity.

Simon said: "If everyone gives £1 we will raise £35,000 for charity. It is certainly not going to be a traditional wedding!"

The couple, who have both been married before and live at Osborne Way, Helmshore, had been together for four years when Simon proposed in January.

The show committee decided that Europe's biggest bike show should be used as a showcase for the wedding.

Pip will lead the parade of more than 1,500 bikers to open the show and and she and Simon will marry in St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall before parading as man and wife in a trike.

Roberta Parsons, from The Design Room, in Rawtenstall, is making the bridal outfit which Pip said is black and white and may include leather, the traditional biking material.

Simon doesn't yet know what he will be wearing, but Pip said she would be happy if he turned up in leather trousers, a shirt and bow tie.

The bike show committee is now looking for sponsors for flowers, room, bouquets for bride and bridesmaids, 30 roses for men, registrar fees, photographer, video, a band and disco, 25 waistcoats for committee members, a cake, invitations and honeymoon.

Guests will toast the happy couple at St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall with cans of lager, not champagne.

Pip's sister Barbara Brice is her witness and she will also ride in a trike to the ceremony, held on her daughter Rebecca's 18th birthday.

Best man is Bill Riley from Water and Simon's two children Kathryn, 13 and Ben, 11, will be at the wedding.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the wedding wish-list can contact the bike show office on 01706 227560.