Brave Joanne Haigh has a smile on her face after going on her first motorbike ride since a paralysing accident nine years ago.

The 33-year-old was riding along Allerton Road, Bradford, in 1993 when she skidded in heavy rain, fell and slid across the road into an oncoming car.

The accident left the keen motorcyclist paralysed from the waist down and since then she has only dreamed of getting back on the open road.

But on Sunday she was treated to riding in a sidecar at the head of the Great Northern Pie Run in Cullingworth.

"It was a fantastic surprise," said Joanne of Harrier Close, Lower Grange.

"I can't put into words how wonderful it was but it was a great day and I've really missed the freedom that biking gives you. I wasn't at all nervous and I can't wait to do it again."

Organised by the Yorkshire Bikers, the run started at The Guide pub in Cullingworth and stopped off at The Byres pub in High Bentham, near Skipton, where the party was welcomed by well-wishers. Then it was back to The Guide for pie and peas.

Her mother Muriel said the ride was a major boost for Joanne's confidence.

"We kept it a secret until we arrived at the pub and she was greeted by the bikers who asked her to go out for a ride with them," she said.

"She was over the moon and hasn't stopped smiling since. It's lovely to see her so happy."

The event also raised hundreds of pounds towards a special £4,500 wheelchair for Joanne.

Mrs Haigh said the battery-operated wheelchair, a Levo-chair made in Switzerland, would support Joanne's legs, allowing her to stand. "She will be able to do a lot more for herself. We're looking forward to seeing her standing at the bar and getting a round in!" she said.

Motorcyclist Lisa Talbot, landlady at The Guide, organised a disco on Saturday night and said the total raised over the weekend was around £660.

"We have a bottle on the bar in aid of Joanne and when the bikers saw it they suggested doing this ride for her," she said, "Bikers are like that, they'll do anything for fellow bikers, and it was a fabulous weekend."

Joanne, who is determined to walk again, is also hoping to raise money in the future for an intensive course to improve her mobility.

Anyone wishing to help can ring Joanne on (01274) 883013.