A Gomersal man is pulling on his leathers to join an annual event in Cleckheaton which celebrates the town's connection with the famous Panther motorbike.

Bike enthusiasts from all over the country, including Doug Stockley, will descend on the town on Sunday to visit the Phelon and Moore works in Horncastle Mills, Horncastle Street, where the legendary bike was built during the first half of the last century.

"There are still a lot of local families who have an association with the company and we invite any former employees to come down from noon onwards on Sunday," said Mr Stockley, who sold his 18-strong Panther collection in 1983 when he planned to emigrate.

"That invitation is also extended to those connected with the Jowett car company in Bradford and Scott motorcyclists of Shipley."

The factory was one of the area's biggest employers in its heyday.

"A lot of women from Cleckheaton worked there in the Edwardian days," said Mr Stockley. "They assembled the machines, painted, drilled and did a lot of wheel building. It wasn't a dull job - people loved working for Mr Moore and Mr Phelon. They really cared about their employees and labourers because it was a real family company."

The factory is named after partners Joah Carver Phelon and Richard Moore, who built the Panther in 1904.

Mr Stockley, a member of the Panther Owners' Club for almost 25 years on and off, described the bike as a "bread and butter machine - a family man's bike" and said its status in the world of vintage bikes continues to grow.

He added: "Mr Phelon was a true pioneer and I don't think he is recognised. There should be a preservation order on the factory. It is part of our heritage."

At its peak, the factory employed 200 people but its demise came with the influx of Japanese bikes and the popularity of small cars in the 1960s.

This weekend's events begins with a camp at Jack Bridge, Heptonstall Moors, tomorrow. On Sunday there will be a convoy of bikes along the A58 from Moor End. It will congregate in Cleckheaton, with a stop-off at the Commercial Inn, Bradford Road.

The West Yorkshire section of the Panther Owners Club meets on the first Sunday of each month at noon in the Commercial. Mr Stockley is asking anyone with photographs and archive information about the Panther to call him on (01274) 870342.