CLASSIC bike enthusiasts from all over the North West will be at Hoghton Tower on Sunday for the annual sprint meeting.

Now in its 24th year, record crowds are expected for the hugely-popular event, which sees almost 150 riders compete for the fastest time up the Tower's 220-yard long uphill drive.

All ages and sizes of bikes are entered for the 24th annual Hoghton Tower Sprint, ranging from a 1930 Velocette 350cc to a 1966 Bultaco El Bandido 360cc.

Although primarily for vintage and classic machines, the organisers, the North Western ACU, have allowed more modern machinery to enter.

The record for fastest time is held by Richard Warlow, from Aspull, near Wigan, whose time of 7.45 seconds over the course - and a terminal speed of 120mph - was enough to put his name in the record books.

Chatburn enthusiast Len Wallbank has the privilege of entering the oldest bike, a 1930 Velocette, while other local entries include Mary Bell, from Oswaldtwistle, on her 1961 BSA 250, Gary Pickering, from Darwen, on a 1967 Suzuki 500, and Rishton's Tom Sharples on his very rare 1968 Jaw 499cc.

With competitors allowed at least three timed runs each, spectators can expect to see at least 700 runs up the drive, starting with a practice at 10am.

Admission is £7 for adults, with full facilities including toilets, catering, stalls and free car parking and programme.