UP to 10,000 spectators are expected to swamp Great Witley for the annual Red Marley Hill Climb.

The historic event, first run in 1927, returns to the Walsgrove Farm track on Easter Monday and a record 160 competitors have been registered.

Riders from across the country are preparing to race their pre-1970 classic motorcycles in four classes. Races, featuring four entrants at a time, are scheduled to run every two to three minutes from 12pm.

Among the competitors will be former European Grass Track champion Gerald Short as well as Arthur Browning and Tim Manton, winners last year and 2003 respectively.

Last year's runner-up, Phil Edwards from Clifton-on-Teme, will also be in action.

Mark Phillips, part of the organising committee, is expecting the event to be a success, with Sunday trials and quad bike racing for youngsters on Monday also built into the programme.

He said: "It's going to be an exciting weekend for all of us with all these top riders taking part."

The Hill Climb was revived in 2000 after a 29-year absence but missed the next year because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Entry is £5 and free for under 16s.