MOTORCYLISTS from across the North West revved up their engines to embark on a special service to remember a biking activist.

Around 25 bikers from the Motor Cycle Action Group braved the rain to meet outside Blackburn Cathedral yesterday for a bike blessing in honour of Fred Hill.

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The biker died in prison in 1984, fighting for his beliefs that motorcyclists should have the freedom to ride.

It was the 13th consecutive year that the ‘Fred Hill Run’ had taken place, as bikers travelled in convoy from The Petre Arms in Whalley Road for the service at the cathedral.

Bill Green, from Clitheroe, is the political officer for the North West group and he said that he believes the annual event gives riders a chance to represent biking in the area.

He said: “It shows what a friendly bunch of people bikers are.

“Not a lot of people realise the amount of work we do in the community holding different events.

“Biking as we know is being squeezed out of existence.

“But I’m proud to be part of the organisation.”

After the outdoor service began with kind words from Mr Green a minutes silence was respected to remember Mr Hill.

Fred Hill petitioned for motorcycle riders to have more control over general protection and biking laws, and was known for ignoring the compulsory helmet law.

He was then sent to prison for refusing to pay the fine and was frequently sent to prison for not wearing a helmet before he ultimately died in 1984 in Pentonville Prison.

The ceremony was carried out by Bishop Michael Wilson from Leyland, who also led the riders and the wave of noise that accompanied them, into the cathedral grounds.

Bishop Michael said: “The cathedral is just a great central spot we can use to remember what Fred Hill did for bikers so many years ago, and we’re thankful for them letting us come here for the 13th year in a row.

“People are getting involved with these sort of events all over the country to remember him, and its great to take part here.”

Cathedral Virger Rachel Fielding said: “I think it’s brilliant.

“Anything that brings different people to the area and to the cathedral is just brilliant news.”