Motorbike club's 'faulty' radio system upgraded

A community motorbike club that has been running for more than 50 years has received £11,900 for upgrades to its race control radio system to allow racing to continue safely.

Andreas Racing Association, based at Jurby Airfield the north of the Isle of Man, holds regular weekend events for up to 70 participants.

The group said the funding from the Manx Lottery Trust would be used to replace "outdated" radios and headsets which were "no longer fit for purpose due to signal dropouts and technical faults".

Carol Bartram from the association said: "Clear and reliable communication is absolutely essential for the smooth and safe running of our events."

The upgrade meant the organisation could replace the "aging system" with "modern, high quality equipment", Ms Bartram added.

The group provides infrastructure and training for riders over 14 to gain experience, with some progressing to race in the Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100 before moving on to the Isle of Man TT races.

Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust Sarah Kelly said it was a "community-led organisation" that made a "real difference for local people, not just in sport, but in developing skills, confidence and ambition".

The upgrade would help to "enhance safety and reliability for everyone involved", she added.

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