SAND flew and engines revved as riders took on the Weymouth Beach Motocross challenge.

Thousands of spectators crowded onto the seafront across the weekend to watch the racing and displays from buggies, bikes and a lion and a gorilla on quad bikes.

The event was organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, in partnership with Purbeck Motocross Club.

Saturday saw a packed day of events, including a display by the majorettes, the Gorillaman, motocross demos and a display by Vinnie-Ray Guthrie, Portland’s champion junior motocross rider, and the Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team.

The latter delighted the crowds with their amazing stunts, including a 360 degree flip.

Then on Sunday people gathered three rows deep on the seafront for the main motocross race day. Engines revved as riders sprinted away from the start line and down the beach, before tackling a series of corners and jumps along the two-mile course.

The sun broke through the clouds on both days and the scent of hotdogs and doughnuts floated over the crowds from the various food stalls.

Event organiser Richard Burgess from the Lion’s Club said they believed around 16,000 people visit the event across the two days – a record-breaking figure.

He said: "We are very pleased with the way its gone. We'd like to thank all our sponsors and supporters and people that have contributed in cash or in kind."

Alice and David Helm and daughter Katie, three, had come down to Weymouth for the weekend and hadn’t realised the motocross was on when they booked, but said they were really enjoying it.

Mrs Helm said: “We just came down and it was just luck it was on. I think it’s great. "Especially out of season. It attracts a lot of people and revenue.”

Mr Helm said: “It’s really good. There are a lot of stalls and that’s always good. It’s a lot of fun."

John Cheshire, had come down for the weekend from Bishopstoke in Hampshire, with daughter Julie Duffin and grandson Connor, five.

He said they often visited the town. The family watched the Gorillaman and the buggies

Mr Cheshire said: “It’s brilliant.”

Tom Smith, 30, visited from Yeovil with his nephews and parents. He said he had been to the event two years ago but that this year's event seemed better supported. He said: “It’s a better atmosphere.”

Bikers Eileen Clarke, 62, and Carol Leniston, 63, were visiting from Ashley Heath, Dorset.

Mrs Leniston said: “It’s very good. It’s got something for everyone.”

Mrs Clarke said: “We come every year. It’s lovely – especially for October.”

She added: “The atmosphere is great – really lovely. It caters for everyone, young or old.”

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