RIDERS took part in a white-knuckle spectacular when they tested their biking skills for the annual breakneck motorbike challenge.

A record entry of 183 turned up to attempt to tame the infamous Red Marley slope for the annual Freak Hill Climb, held at Walsgrove Farm, near Great Whitley, yesterday.

And on a day of record-breaking, organisers think that the crowd of more than 10,000 spectators was the highest in the event's history.

The clement Easter weather meant that the course, near vertical in parts, was in perfect condition and this was proved in the times, with some of the fastest ever recorded being set by the competitors.

Arthur Browning, a three times champion, looked to have equalled or possibly beaten the record for the course with a time of 19.09 seconds as he tore up the track on his 500cc Jawa - although this was unconfirmed.

One of the organisers, Tom Cook, from Wichenford, said: "The whole day has been superb. Every year it seems to get bigger and better.

"This is the best yet. It's more competitive than anything else going. It's non-stop action all day. Some of the riders have had a few bumps, but nothing too serious."

At times the hill is almost vertical, rising from a one in 10 gradient to one in five then one in 1.5.

The challenge is organised by the Red Marley Hill Club and it was first held in the 1920s before dying out. However, it was revived for the millennium. The foot and mouth crisis in 2001 stalled the event for a year but it has been growing in popularity since. The race involves riders of all ages but is particularly popular with the over 55s. Of the 180 plus competitors, 52 were over the age of 55.

The challenge involves four classes of motorbike and is based on a knock-out system - the top riders from each race go through to the next round.

The bikes are pre-1970s classics ranging from 200cc to 600cc with some bikes dating back as far as the 1930s.

The winners of each class go through to the allcomers final, when riders of all different ages and bikes compete head to head for the grand prize - a silver helmet inscribed with the names of past victors.Admissions money is split three ways between the farmer who owns the land, organisers the Red Marley Hill Club and a local charity.

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