YORK miniature motorcycle enthusiasts are on the lookout for a new home to ride their baby bikes.

The group, who call themselves York MiniMoto, race the tiny machines, also known as Pocketbikes, which were first produced in Japan.

The sport soon became a big hit all over the world, particularly Italy, but only took off here with the creation of York MiniMoto a few months ago.

The group was set up by Barry Cameron, 22, who owns a computer games shop in Acomb and rides an imitation MiniMoto.

"They are essentially a shrunk-down version of a standard motorbike, about a third of the size. Many Moto GP bike racers started on these smaller machines as kids," he said.

"We had heard all about them but never knew how to get hold of one until last year."

The bikes range in price from £350 to £1,500, with nearly all using a Polini engine.

They come in two sizes - mini and midi - with midis being ten per cent bigger. Riders wear all the usual protective clothing when using them.

There is a MiniMoto Racing Association of Great Britain which organises a British MiniMoto Championship, with competitions for enthusiasts of all abilities aged from six to 60.

York Minimoto began with just a single Polini bike and now boasts ten members, including a couple of women, with 13 machines between them.

They currently meet in the car park of Booker Cash & Carry, in Audax Road, Clifton Moor, on Sundays, with a monthly trip to Kart 2000 in Scarborough, but they are looking for a bigger and more dedicated site.

"We just need somewhere that is flat, with a tarmac surface. It should be relatively big and currently unused," said Barry.

"We would quite like to be able to set up some cones if possible."

Anyone who knows of a suitable site should get in touch with York Minimoto through their website www.minimoto.tk.

Links to MiniMotos suppliers and organisations are also available on the site for anyone wishing to get involved in the sport.

Updated: 08:23 Wednesday, June 23, 2004