THOUSANDS of bikers roared into Rawtenstall filling pavements, car parks and streets with motorbikes of every size and type.

Last year, 10,000 people came along to the see the Rossendale Valley Motorcycle Show, but there were at least 15,000 this year as people travelled from all over the country.

A wall of death was set up in the car park opposite the market, which opened specially, and stalls and bikes filled Bank Street, which was closed for the event.

The Valley Centre had a display of bikes on both Saturday and Sunday and at the bottom of Bank Street, where every possible accessory could be purchased. For those who wanted to experience how it feels to ride a 750cc Yamaha at 150 mph there was also a bike simulator.

At Rawtenstall Cricket Club a fun fair and stalls filled the ground, while in the centre, a stunt display team showed off their skills.

Jason Finn and first-time demonstrator Rob Stevenson thrilled the crowds by jumping over vehicles and through a skip and Special Constable Karen Dawson and 11 other volunteers bravely allowed the bikers to use them as a human chain to leap over. A five-a-side soccer knockout was held and competing in the final was Stacksteads St Joseph's and the Crawshawbooth Rangers. On Saturday night the event got off to a rocking start at the Astoria, with the Red Rose 50s Rock Revival featuring rock and roll bands.

The Deerplay Inn at Weir, also held a rally featuring local bands Earthwood, Wrench and Badger and provided accommodation for some of the bikers.

But it doesn't end there, because next Sunday, at Glenfield Industrial Park, Blackburn, an indoor motorcycle show will be held starting at 11am.

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