BIKERS took to the streets of Taunton this week in 1989 to protest rules making the wearing of helmets compulsory.

The motorcyclists, members of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), rode round the town centre with no helmets on to show their opposition to the rules.

The protest was in memory of campaigner Fred Hill, who was sent to prison 31 times for not paying fines for not wearing a helmet, something he was vehemently opposed to.

He passed away in prison, aged over 70, in 1984.

About 10 members of MAG took part in the Taunton protest, which ended when the police intervened.

Three of the demonstrators were issued with £12 fines by police for not wearing helmets, including town refuse collector, Paddy Howe, 23, of Trinity.

Mr Howe said that although MAG members believed in wearing helmets, they considered people should be allowed to choose for themselves.

"We're paying tribute to Fred because he died for something he believed in strongly," Mr Howe added.