EUROPE's number one motorcycle extravaganza will be reaching for the skies in two weeks.

As the two- wheeled vehicles roar into Rawtenstall, the RAF's Harrier jump jet team will stage fly bys and hover above the activities on September 23 and 24.

Celebrities already lined up to make an appearance include Emmerdale's Alan Turner -- actor Richard Thorp -- who will climb aboard his own machine to lead the cavalcade of at least 1,000 bikes from Winfields in Haslingden to officially launch the show on Sunday. Coronation Street's Tyrone, Allan Hallsall, has been invited.

Antiques Roadshow valuer Eric Knowles, from Nelson, will be judging a heritage bike competition.

And Rossendale's own Wall of Fear rider Steven Carr will make a return visit to the show with employees Graham and Carol Cripsey's popular stunt show.

Steven, who will be 21 next month, left his Rawtenstall home to join the travelling show from Skegness when he got hooked in 1996 after helping out behind the scenes at the Rossendale Bike Show.

He is now a regular rider and will be showing his skills at performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Show chairman Fred Tolley said: "Our aim is to make charity the winner. Last year we collected £12,000, this time we are aiming to get at least £1 per person attending and top the £40,000 mark. "Although it is free to come along to the events over the two days, we are hoping that people will give generously."

Other attractions include the famous Purple Helmets Display Team, Jumping Jake Semtex who combines motorcycle stunts with pyrotechnics, and lawn mower racing.

Live bands will be playing over the two days and there will be funfairs, street traders and mini moto racing.

Fred added: "While the arrangements for the show are rushing ahead we are still looking for more volunteers to help us out over the weekend.

"A small army of marshals is needed for such a giant occasion and the more individuals we have to help out the better.

"We are still offering free lunch and a host of show specials and goodies plus the chance to be right in at the heart of the action."

Anyone interested in helping can contact the show hot-line on 01706 227560 or e-mail on rossendale@bikeshow.

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