A DEAFENING roar and a flash of sparkling chrome heralded the start of the Harley Davidson rally in Bournemouth.

Between 500 and 600 bikes assembled on the Pier Approach ready for inspection by competition judges and members of the public.

The owners were all members of the New Forest Harley Owners' Group and had travelled from all over the country to attend the annual rally.

Live rock music kept the atmosphere going and members of the public mingled with leather-clad bikers, who were happy to point out the finer details of their magnificent machines.

Bournemouth Mayor Cllr Emily Morrell-Cross was in charge of handing out the prizes for the best bikes.

"They're eye-catching bikes and there's always a lot of public interest," said Chris Springle, assistant director of the New Forest owners' group.

"These bikes cost £12,000 just to start off with and there's one guy here that has spent £40,000 on his. It's a great event."

First published: September 28