Dead biker's pals vow to be safe

Bikers vowed to take care and stay safe as they met at a popular spot for the first time since one of them died nearby.

Christopher Burrell died after his motorbike collided with a car on the A41 at Tern Hill near Market Drayton.

The 44-year-old, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, died last Thursday shortly before 7.45pm, after the accident close to the Stormy Petrel pub.

Bikers braved the stormy weather yesterday to gather at the pub for their traditional Thursday evening meet.

Pub landlord Ian Freeman said the event was civilised, and said in eight years there had been no accidents at the rally.

"There's never any bad language," he said. "They have their own personal code of respect and there is zero drink-driving.

"It's very sad someone lost his life last week.

"Our thoughts are with his family."He said the pub would hold a collection for Mr Burrell's family.

Carly Altham, from Stoke-on-Trent, said last night was the first time she had been, but she would not have gone if she was not confident she would be totally safe.

She said Mr Burrell was popular, so it was likely a ride would be organised in his memory.

Police have vowed to monitor the gatherings amid reports some bikers were showing off at the meets.

Carl Forkin, from Stoke-on-Trent, was at the Stormy Petrel last night with his 10 year-old daughter, Holly.

He said, with a few exceptions, all bikers ride safely and the evening is a pleasant social event to be enjoyed.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the bikers here behave, although you get the odd one or two that don't" he said.

"There's always someone pulling a wheelie, but it's normally good.

"You have to be very careful on bikes."

Inspector Sarah Wagstaff, of West Mercia Police, said: "The majority stick to the law but we do have a problem with some motorcyclists who seem to wish to perform for the crowds, so if they are breaking the law we have to go and enforce it.

"We will continue to deal with the motorcyclists who do not adhere to the law.

"The roads have to remain safe.

"It is an area where you have got pedestrians and other people, and you have to make sure everyone remains safe."

By Abigail Bates and Deborah Collins