A RECORD number of up to 1,000 bikes are expected to assemble at Truro's Garras Wharf Car Park, this Sunday to take part in the 17th annual Martin Jennings Memorial Motorcycle Run in aid of the Cornwall Mine Rescue Organisation.

Motorcyclists will travel from all over the county and beyond to the city, starting to assemble from 9am for the 10am start, with each person paying a three pounds entry fee.

This year, the mileage has been cut down and the run will finish at The Falmouth Rugby Club at 3.30pm, via the town centre, castle drive and the seafront.

To entertain the bikers two local rock bands, Three Minute Warning and Fake White Fever, have donated their services free of charge to play for about one and one half hours, with proceedings finishing at 5 to 5.30pm.

The organisers are hoping for a big crowd to welcome the bikers, and enjoy the atmosphere and be treated to a great bike show for a couple of hours. Admission to the ground is free, the club house will be open and catering facilities will be on site.

Most of the route has been kept secret for safety reasons, but one of the most popular viewing places will be the bridges spanning the A30 between Chiverton and Camborne East, where the convoy will regroup for the Grand Parade at 1.45pm arriving at Beacon - Martins home village - at 2.15pm for a 15 minute stop.

One minute's silence will be observed in memory of Martin, who died competing in the 1987 Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix and also as a tribute to all the other bikers who have lost their lives on Cornish roads.