CLASSIC bikes once again roared into action at the annual Bringsty Grand Prix in Bromyard.

The off-road motorcycle race dates back to just after the end of the Second World War.

The first event in 1946 was won by the legendary Bob Foster, a pre-war Isle of Man TT winner and a national motorcycle celebrity in his day.

The event was revived in 2017 as part of the Bromyard Festival of Speed.

Sadly, there is no festival this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Grand Prix continued, albeit in a modified form.

As tradition the event ran on Bringsty Common and was open to bikes from the classic era (pre-1960 to pre-1974) and the more modern bikes of the twin-shock and Evo eras.

With safety very much in evidence a smaller than usual entry served up some exciting racing.

As the afternoon wore on speeds got higher and the dry, grassy circuit became dusty.

The final race of the day was the Grand Prix (the main event) and the field included two previous winners – local man Richard Williams (winner in 2018) and Ben Hodgkins, the 2019 winner.

Williams, riding a 1968 BSA Victor, took an early lead but he was soon overhauled by Hodgkins, Sam Russell and Matt Hitchman.

All three riders were on board machinery perhaps 20 years, or more younger than the ageing BSA ridden by Williams who settled for fourth.

Hodgkins, on a 250 Suzuki, lifted the crown again followed by Russell in second and Hitchman in third.