Droves of bikers are set to converge on Shipley as preparations for the town's first bikers meeting get under way.

Motorcyclists from all over the country are set to make the journey to West Yorkshire, in what is hoped will become an annual event for the town.

But residents need have no fear - these bikers are no Hell's Angels. Organisers say they are "pleasant middle class people" who are holding the event in an attempt to promote a good image for bikers in Bradford and the rest of West Yorkshire.

Mother-of-one Beverley Venyige, a nurse, is one of the organisers of the event. She said: "The day is all about doing good for other people and promoting a better image for bikers.

"We're not all rough law breakers who are out to cause trouble but pleasant, middle class people who want to do a bit of good for the community. We want to show that bikers are not thugs and ruffians."

And the event, she said, will also serve to put Shipley on the map, encourage business into the area and raise money for charity at the same time.

"This year we'll be holding the Bikefest in Shipley Working Men's Club, but we hope it will become an annual thing and that next year we'll be able to hold it in Shipley Market Square.

"There'll be motorcycle classes, which will include displays of custom-made models, trikes, Japanese and vintage bikes.

"We're raising money for charity and most of the money from the event will go towards Guide Dogs for the Blind.

"We also hope to encourage business into the area by having trade stands and there will be bands and a disco. We really hope it will put Shipley on the map."

The event is to be held on October 4 and a huge publicity campaign in national motorcycle magazines has now been launched to attract support for the event, which is being organised by Bradford-based group the White Rose Motorcycle Club.

The event comes just a month after Shipley was announced to be the centre of a mod revival, with the Bulldog Scooter club using the town as a venue for its twice monthly meetings.

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