TWO motorcyclists - one from Rossendale - died when their machines collided head-on at speed on the popular route between Lancaster and the Trough of Bowland.

A couple from Accrington on a third bike escaped serious injury in the crash yesterday afternoon.

Richard Fenner, 38, of Reedsholme Close, Rawtenstall, suffered head and leg injuries in the pile-up in which John Baldwin, 34, and Melinda Holden, 32, both of Highergate Close, Huncoat, escaped with minor injuries. They were allowed home after treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The accident happened at Quernmore, Lancaster, at 3.10pm yesterday.

Police said Michael Hall, 26, of Whin Sands, Fulwood, was riding his Honda CBR at speed, approaching the crest of a hill, when he was seen to brake before crossing to the offside. He then collided with Mr Fenner who was riding his Honda Fireblade in the opposite direction. The machine then took the Accrington couple off their Yamaha 988cc.

Mr Hall lost his crash helmet and went head first into a wall, suffering fatal injuries.

Mr Fenner suffered head and leg injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died early today.

Miss Holden said: "We were with Mr Fenner and have just heard the awful news that he is no longer with us. We are too upset to talk about it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.