GAZETTE & HERALD: Preparations are underway for the fourth Calne Grand Motorcycle Meet and Family Day, when thousands of bikers will ride into town.

The event will be held on July 17 and will fill the town will the sound of reverberating engines.

The full spectrum of motorcycle history will be on display from the humble vintage cyclemotor through to the superbikes of today.

The event, which includes live bands and a jazz combo playing on the streets plus many stalls, is again being organised by Calne Rotary Club.

Rotarian Tim Roberts said: "The classics and vintage bikes will line up along the canal wharf and, if last year is anything to go by, every available pavement and street will be full to overflowing.

"The show is hugely popular as it's not just a field in the middle of nowhere. The in-town setting means that pubs, restaurants, and cafes are all on hand."

This year sees the return of the popular trials demonstrations where the skilful riders navigate their machines through various obstacles such as the river, mud banks, and fallen trees.

The event is free for all bikers and visitors but the Rotary Club will be collecting for this year's chosen charities.

These are The Freewheelers Emergency Volunteers, who use motorcycles to deliver emergency blood around various hospitals, and Wiltshire Bikers with a Disability part of a national group which provides assistance to get disabled bikers back on the road.

Last year the event attracted thousands of bikers and visitors to the town as well as securing sponsorship from three major local firms.

Motorcycle clubs and traders wishing to attend the event should contact Alan Smith on (01249) 813823 or Tim Roberts on (01249) 817162.