ON YOUR marks… get set… go! Weymouth Beach Motocross is set to be bigger than ever this year.

Organisers say they are ‘breaking new ground’ with new attractions added to the programme.

As well as the main race day on Sunday, October 12 when more than 200 riders will take to the beach, audiences will be treated to free entertainment the day before including an appearance from a top UK motorcycle stunt team.

Beach motocross, organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club in association with Purbeck Lions Club and support from the borough council, is a huge event in Weymouth’s calendar drawing thousands to the sands to watch the thrills and spills of motocross action.

This year the fun will begin on Saturday, October 11 with a packed programme including a display from The Squibb Freestyle FMX Stunt Display Team – Jamie Squibb, pictured inset, and his crew launching themselves from ramps.

There will also be a motocross demonstration as a taster for Sunday’s big event and appearances from quad bike rider ‘Gorillaman’ plus a display from Weymouth’s Odyssey Majorettes.

There will be a range of stalls on the seafront selling motocross goods as well as food and drink, and charity stalls.

Lions Club activities chairman Trevor Stratton said: “Weymouth Beach Motocross weekend is the original and the best beach motorsport event in Weymouth.

“We’ve been going 30 years and we pride ourselves in providing free entertainment to residents and visitors alike while raising money for local good causes.

“We try and introduce new features and build the event up every year.

“This year’s introduction of a nationally known team of stunt riders is a big step up for us and is due to the generous sponsorship of the Waterside Holiday Group.”

Waterside’s managing director Graham Frampton said the firm tried to support local community good causes and backing motocross made sense as it is a charity fundraiser and also provides off season entertainment for visitors.

Borough council tourism spokesman Cllr Rachel Rogers said: “We are delighted that Weymouth Beach Motocross will be bigger than ever this year and that they have secured sponsorship from Weymouth’s top holiday park operators to provide a very full programme of entertainment on Saturday afternoon.”