MOTORCYCLISTS can pick up tips and have their skills assessed in a series of sessions being held throughout Wiltshire.

During the one-day sessions, police advanced riders will give presentations, observe motorcyclists riding and give them a detailed debrief.

There will also be videos and talks on the attitude needed for riding.

Margaret Tester, senior road safety officer for Swindon Council, one of the scheme's sponsors, said: "During 2000 we had nine motorcyclists killed and 103 seriously injured on Wiltshire roads .

"The majority of these crashes were speed-related and the casualties were aged from 25 to 50."

Last year's scheme, called BikeSafe 2001, helped more than 200 motorcyclists ride more safely.

The BikeSafe 2002 sessions are being held on:

April 7, Wootton Bassett;

May 12, Devizes;

June 9, Wootton Bassett;

July 7, Salisbury;

September 29, Devizes;

October 13, Wootton Bassett.

Prospective candidates need to book a place by contacting Margaret on Swindon 466399 or Colin Reeves on 07770 695792.