DAREDEVIL riders are revving up for a whirlwind competition at Weymouth's national beach motocross event.

More than 200 riders from across the country are gearing up to race around a one-mile course on the resort's golden sands on Sunday afternoon.

They are expected to reach speeds of 80mph as they whizz along the opening straight before tackling a sharp chicane and a series of sand-moulded jumps and pits.

Organisers, Purbeck Motocross Club and Weymouth and Portland Lions Club are expecting more than 15,000 spectators to line the Esplanade and watch the free event, which runs from 1pm- 4pm.

The competition is split into three classes - expert, senior and junior - and every rider will take part in two races.

Programmes listing all entrants will be on sale, costing £1 each, and a running commentary is to be broadcast over the public address system.

Last year's junior winner Joe Clark, 17, of Granby Close, Weymouth, is hoping for a successful ride in the senior section this year.

He said: "I'm looking forward to the day. If it rains the ground will be hard but it should still be OK."

His brother Dean Clark, 15, said he was feeling confident about racing in the junior class on his 125cc bike.

Both teenagers are Budmouth Technology College students and have been riding motocross for about seven years.

The chairman of Purbeck Motocross Club, Alf Stearn, said two paramedics and a group of first aiders will be on hand to deal with any injuries. He added: "All the jumps are marshalled for safety and insurance purposes. This is a charity event so we hope people will come and watch and make a donation."

All funds raised will go to Weymouth and Portland Lions Club.

Club secretary Dave Woolford said: "We hope to raise more than £2,500. The amazing thing is that this is free entertainment so we hope people will buy a programme and support us."

The beach from Weymouth Pavilion to the tourist information centre will be closed to the public from 9am on Saturday until 10pm on Sunday.

Diggers will be used to build the sand jumps and flatten them after the competition.