Club gathers to celebrate Norton

Members of the Shropshire branch of the Norton Owners' Club returned to their regular venue for their annual meet with a two-day gathering.

And they were keen to help the castle with its continued upkeep, by holding a charity raffle for members and visitors.

The Norton classic and modern motorcycle show got under way yesterday afternoon and the sunshine attracted many visitors.

Event organiser Mr John Lythe said motorcycles of all eras in Norton's history were at the meet.

He said the members enjoyed the historic venue of the castle and were trying to raise cash for the building. "We are holding a raffle to raise funds for the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust," he said.

The Shropshire branch of the motorcycle club is holding the meet as part of its celebrations of the golden jubilee of the Norton Owners' Club.

As well as the famous Nortons, there was a range of other classic motorcycles on show at the event.

Nortons have been built since 1898 and were the brainchild of James Lansdowne Norton. The first Norton was a bicycle with an engine on it. A Norton bike first won the Isle of Man TT races in 1907.

This year's national Norton Day will be held at Donnington Park on June 20.