WITH 280 bikes on show and around 800 visitors, a fine afternoon (although rain had been forecast), this year's Bike Show and Meet at the Rose and Crown, Sandford, was another lovely, laid back, brilliant event.

Held in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, the organisers were delighted to report a profit of £2,086.77, a mere £40 less than last year.

This was the 11th year of the event, started by Pete and Nicola Dowsett when they ran the Rose and Crown pub. They used to run a bike show at their previous pub, which has continued since they left.

Music was by local bands Dirty Magic, All or Nothing and House of Kane. Among the trade stands was Devon Wheels 2Work, based at Halwill Junction. This is its 10th year. Manager Max Jowett said they have 85 bikes on the road at present.

As well as the bike hire scheme, Devon Wheels 2Work offers just about anything to do with motor bikes - servicing, accessories, clothes.

Devon Advanced Motorcyclists, a sub group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, also had a lot of interest.

Mark Watling, chairman, said the group has been going for almost 25 years, has 250 members and runs advanced rider courses.

Members of the Motorcycle Action Group "the heart and soul of biking" also had a stand. This is is a lobbying organisation that exists to protect motorcycling from unsympathetic legislation that threatens the pleasure of riders.

Trophies, engraved glass tankards, were presented by Mary Pratt, a member of Devon Air Ambulance Trust staff, who ran the DAAT stall at the show.

Best Competition bike winner was Jack Edney from Chulmleigh, whose 81st birthday was a fortnight earlier, with his VVS 228 1954 AJS which he has had for 20 years and rides regularly.

Best Scooter was a 1960 Lambretta Li 150 owned by Ken Goddard. Best Vintage/Veteran went to Alan Bissett's 1954 Harley-Davidson Panhead from Newquay.

Winner of both the Best Custom and People's Choice awards was the 1985 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead of Garry Griffiths of Newquay.

It really was a marvel of recycling, the brass shining. The oil tank was from an outboard engine, headlight was a ship's bell. Parts of a stirrup water pump were used. Garry made the exhaust and the air filters, built the handlebars and the brake and clutch levers were from a 1932 James.

Best Trike was the outfit of Eric Short of Cullompton, which he built and which has been on the road since 2002.

Best Sports was the red Honda Repsol of 18 years old learner motorcyclist Megan Gibbons of Crediton.

Best Classic went to the 1960 C 15 of Den Turner of Crediton. Best RAT (rough and tatty) was the 1943 Harley-Davidson 45 owned by Jib of Teignmouth.

Landlord's Choice was the blue Yamaha R1 of Mark Knight of Crediton. Furthest Distance Travelled went to Richard Headon with his Harley-Davidson 883 Sports from Portishead near Bristol.

John Groves, who helped organise the meet and show said that the attendance figures far exceeded his expectations as the weather preceeding the show had been so unsetled, with heavy rain in the morning.

He thanks all the bikers, marshalls and other members of the public for ensuring the afternoon was such a success and for their generosity in helping to raise the £2,000 for such a worthy cause.

A Biker's Day Out is to be held by Jurassic Coast Bikers at Seaton on Sunday, August 7 in aid of DAAT on the Esplanade between 10am-4.30pm.

S Read