MOTORBIKE mania came to rural Worcestershire as crowds flocked to the Red Marley Hill Climb.

Spectators cheered, clapped and gasped as brave riders took on the quarter-mile climb in the glorious Easter Monday sunshine.

Bikers raced up the tricky slope, which reaches a 1:1.5 gradient and features a challenging jump known as "the pimple", in a variety of classic, pre-1970 motorcycles.

The competition was fierce as hopefuls aimed to beat Carl Pope’s 19.53-second record set in 2009 and the adrenaline-fuelled action delighted onlookers.

John Boardman, who had travelled from Bedford to experience the event for the first time, said: “It has been absolutely superb – a really great day out.

“It is great to be able to see the action all the way up the hill and the weather – you couldn’t have predicted it.”

Local Adrian Freeman, of Shrawley, Worcestershire, had less of a journey to witness the spectacle.

He said: “It has been great and it is lovely that the weather is so good.

“I’m here supporting my cousin. There is a real mix of people from locals to people travelling from far afield, reflecting the fact that the riders come from across the country to take part.”

Classic motorcycle enthusiast Ken Mayne, of Horley near London Gatwick Airport, added: “It has been a really good chance to watch the old bikes.”

The annual event at Walsgrove Farm in Great Witley featured races in a number of classes including up to 350cc, over 350cc, an all-comers category and the all stars – a crowd favourite made up of the best riders from 2014’s event.

Bouncy castles, inflatables, stalls and snack vans were also on-hand to add to the family entertainment.

Keith Ball, the starter of the races, said: “The crowds have turned up and it has been going very well.

“The sunshine and good weather really makes the difference.

“Conditions for the riders are slightly above average because it quite grippy – and unlike other years it isn’t very dusty or muddy, which is what we don’t like.”

He added that the motorcycles being used showcase some of the best classic British bikes.