A MASS biker convoy heads for the hills tomorrow - wheel to wheel with police safety experts.

Motorbike officers from North Yorkshire Police and the Royal Military Police will rev up and lead scores of bikers on a 200-mile tour of some of the county's picturesque roads.

But they will not just be admiring stunning views of the Moors and the Dales.

Officers will be on hand to offer "no holds barred" criticism and life-saving safety tips in an attempt to help reduce the number of riders killed on North Yorkshire roads.

Seven riders have died so far this year in the county. At the same point last year ten riders and a pillion passenger had been killed.

P C Dave Burlingham, of the road policing group, who will lead tomorrow's tour, said it was never too late for the most experienced biker to learn.

He said: "Even the most experienced riders will take tough criticism and practical advice from police motorcyclists.

"They know we have trained to a high level, can ride safely in any conditions - very quickly if we have to - and have paid our dues as riders."

He said: "However long you have been riding motorcycles you can always learn. This tour is an excellent way to combine advanced rider training with a great day out across the Moors and Dales."

It is part of the high-profile police operation for Scarborough Bike Week, which started last Friday and attracts large numbers of bikers.

PC Burlingham said: "We see this as a prime opportunity to deliver the force's combined message of rider education alongside tough enforcement action against dangerous and antisocial road users."

He said he wanted Bike Week to be a "celebration" of bikes and riding, but warned visitors against using the area as a racetrack."

The observed ride is free and bikers interested in joining should meet at Oliver's Mount Bikers' Village, Scarborough, at 9.15am tomorrow.

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, June 30, 2004