BIKERS Pete Laidlaw and Tony Winder have taken delivery of brand new Kawasaki 500cc motorcycles to help marshal cyclists in the Commonwealth Games.

They are both members of Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show, where Tony is chairman and Pete is health and safety officer.

For about seven years they have been marshalling cycling events all around the North West and Wales and on July 15 they were among 27 Commonwealth volunteers to be given motorbikes for the duration of the games.

Pete, from Poet's Road, Burnley, said: "I am really looking forward to it.

"About three weeks' ago we marshalled at the British cycling championships on the same course at Rivington which was like a dress rehearsal for us.

"Then there were more than 100 entries but in the Commonwealth Games there will be even more."

Pete and Tony, from Lee Brook Close, Rawtenstall, will be working on Saturday and on August 3 at Rivington from 6am to 6pm covering the time trials and the road racing.

Pete said: "The bikes are lightweight and good for the job. They handle quite well, especially around the course which involves a lot of narrow lanes and bends."

Tony said: "There were no leathers in the kit so I had to pick an extra-large outfit so that it would fit over the top of my gear.

"I don't want people to think I have put on weight!"

Pete and Tony are the only East Lancashire volunteers to be given bikes, which they will use to escort the cyclists and ensure their safety.

They will have direct radio contact with the headquarters if there is any problem on the course.

Other volunteers have been given larger bikes to ferry cameramen around and mechanics to carry out any emergency repairs.

Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show will be held on September 22 in Rawtenstall, when an estimated 40,000 people are expected to visit the 10th anniversary event.