BEER and bikes are proving a good mixer for Nelson barmaid Ann Holmes.

For Ann, 29, is the only woman to have qualified for the British grasstrack sidecar championships, which will be held at Skegness later this month.

"I'm really excited, it's a terrific challenge to compete against all the top teams in the country," said Ann, who works at the Morris Dancers pub in Colne.

"There are just three women in the whole of Britain who race sidecars, and I'm the only one to get through to the finals."

"I rode with my dad, Alan Holmes, for nine years until he retired last year, so I guess it's up to me to keep up the family tradition."

In their first season together, Ann and her York-based driver Rob Bradley have notched up two victories on their 1000cc Yamaha, together with numerous seconds and thirds, which has qualified them for grasstrack racing's biggest meeting of the year.

She explained:"There are only 18 bikes allowed into the championship. The top six from last year are invited back, another six are 'wild card' entries, and the rest who have proved their worth during races this year.

"I just hope that history doesn't repeat itself. Rob contested the same event last year with his brother, and they crashed out in the first heat!"

The Morris Dancers pub have launched an appeal for new leathers for Ann and Rob by organising a series of fund-raising activities.Anyone interested in supporting them can contact manager John Crow tel: 01282 856011.

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