Shipley Scooter Club is on the road to celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Since it was launched the club has attracted a mixture of people who make up its membership but all have enthusaism for scooters in common, said spokesman Steve Partington.

The club is one of the oldest in the UK with membership growing all the time and coming from all walks of life, from labourers to office workers.

“We are basically just a bunch of enthusiasts of all ages who enjoy riding scooters,” said Mr Partington.

“The club has no fixed affinity to any kind of music or fashion, but I guess a number of us would say our roots are from Mod or skinhead.

“The club has a really laid-back outlook. We’re an easy-going bunch of folk who like riding together and who support each other.”

Members with all types of scooters are welcomed, be they Lambrettas or Vespas, manuals or automatics.

“We don’t bother with subs, there’s no hassle or pressure about attending meetings, but it is great to get together or rallies – we fully understand family commitments,” said Mr Partington.

Many remember Len’s Scooter Shop in Shipley which was a magnet for riders and the club has carried on that tradition.

Rides take members all over the country from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Man.

Next year they are planning to ride coast-to-coast from Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire to St Bees in Cumbria.

And its members are geared up to mark the big occasion with a party tonight at Shipley Social Club in Saltaire Road. Tickets cost £3.

All in for the price is a night of Mod, Soul, Ska sounds and supper, said DJ and club member Alan Peace.

“It’s going to be one big party and everyone, whether they own a scooter or not, is welcome to come and join in,” he said.

Shipley Scooter Club meets every Sunday at 7.30pm at the Ring O Bells pub in Bradford Road, Shipley.

To find out more about the anniversary event or more about the club, go to shipleyscooterclub.co.uk