THE roaring success of Calne's annual motorcycle meet has left organiser Alan Smith and Rotary Club members exhausted but riding high.

The town centre was throbbing with the rumble of engines on Saturday as motorcycle enthusiasts from across the UK converged on the town.

Bikers mixed freely with curious families and residents, who came out to look at the motorcycle displays, enjoy the entertainment and soak up the pulsating atmosphere.

Mr Smith estimates there were 800 motorbikes, 300 more than last year. There were bikes of all different shapes and sizes from vintage to modern.

Representatives were there from Bath Classic Bike Club, the Japan Classic Bike Club and the Swindon Backyard Club, which restores and repairs bikes from old parts. A contingent of bikers from Bournemouth rode to the free admission meet just to support the event's chosen charity, Naomi House Children's Hospice.

Deceuninck Ltd, based in Calne's Portmarsh Estate, contributed £200 to the hospice, based in Hampshire, which accommodates children and their families from Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.

The event made history with the largest gathering of Hybrid 750cc motorcycles in the world.

There are only 100 Hybrids in Britain, but by advertising the meet in classic bike magazines, motorcycle enthusiast Tim Roberts managed to assemble 20 in Calne's town centre.

Classic Triumphs, BSAs and Matchless bikes were on sale and there were auto jumble stalls laden with spare parts for bargain hunters.

Chippenham Trial Bike Club entertained crowds in Castle Park with their dazzling feats. The ten riders used the River Marden as an obstacle as they battled to complete a small course as quickly as possible without their feet touching the ground.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Calne's Women's Institute and the Girl Guides had fundraising stands and Sainsbury's provided a bouncy castle and swings for the children.

In the evening there was jazz from Four Plus One and a barbecue in the gardens of Marden House.

Stephen Dean, 49, of Devizes, known as Deano in the biking fraternity, took his wife and grandson to Calne on his custom-built Robin Reliant trike.

He said: "The event was very well laid out and there was a good selection of things to do."

David McKewan, 66, a member of Calne Rotary Club, said: "I think it's gone very well and there's been an excellent turnout today as far as motorcycle exhibits go. The event is bigger than last year and it's going to continue to get bigger and better next year."

Hilary Mudge, of Bryans Close Road, Calne, said: "I think its about time Calne had something like this."