Motoring fans had a double treat this weekend. Bike fans flocked in their thousands to Beaulieu's Motorcycle World event, while hundreds of glittering new motors were on display at the Daily Echo's Wheels Motorshow...

BEAULIEU'S annual Motorcycle World event revved up for two days of biking bliss in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

More than 300,000 enthusiasts enjoyed a bumper show over the two- day event at the weekend, with all kinds of attractions lined up to entertain.

One of the show's greatest assets is that it gives visitors the chance to get up close, and even touch, some of the world's most spectacular machines, plus the chance to meet many of the sport's most talented riders.

In the arena, stunt rider Jason Finn was attempting to beat his World 'Step' Record, jumping his motorbike 8ft in the air from a standing start.

Among other scheduled events was a demonstration ride on great classic bikes by Sammy Miller and his team, while Jamie Whitham and John McGuiness gave dazzling displays of Super Moto - one of the fastest bikes over rough ground.

Also on the display was the futuristic Carver from Holland, being put through its paces.

Chris Wilson, paying his first visit to Motorcycle World, brought some of his stable of ex-works 1980s racing machines, and Malcolm Wheeler was set to ride on Mike Hailwood's 250cc World Championship machine from the National Motor Museum collection.

Special guest, 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini, also gave demonstration rides on works machines from the 60s and 70s.

On the Off-Road Speedway Track, there were demonstrations by the Vintage Speedway Association and local club racers.

Royal Enfield also showcased its off-road machines, and top off-road rider Simon Pavey demonstrated BMWs.

Visitors who flocked to the event were given the chance to view, try and buy the latest models from major manufacturers, and meet their race teams and riders.

HUNDREDS of glittering new cars were on display this weekend at the Daily Echo Wheels Motorshow 2003, writes Tom Husband.

Vehicle dealers from all over the county exhibited cars, from the latest retro revamp Citroen C3 to Jack Villeneuve's old Honda Formula One racer.

There was glorious sunshine for the thousands who turned out to the two-day annual event on the fields of Wide Lane, Eastleigh.

Members of the public enjoyed easy access to virtually all the brands on offer, instead of trawling around dealerships scattered across Hampshire.

As well as the chance to see the latest models ahead of their registration this September, crowds enjoyed a number of other activities. Children enjoyed a bouncy castle and their parents daydreamed about winning a swanky car in one of several competitions.

Teachers Dan Beo and Helen Welsh visited the show looking for a replacement for a Toyota Yaris.

Dan said: "I've come down to see what the Renault Megane looks like. It's quite quirky with the rear end. It quite impressed me. It's got a high spec inside and good interior for quite a reasonable price."

Taxi driver Darren Butler, 35, looked dreamily at a luxury Toyota while looking for a replacement for his seven-year-old Peugeot 406. He said: "I'm looking for a taxi, as we have to replace them every seven years. It's worth having a look round a place like this. You get better deals at fairs like this."

Richard Le Brocq, of the Daily Echo, said: "The show gives the people of the area a chance to see most cars on offer on a plate.

"It allows us to support the local car industry by providing a showcase event for dealers to display their vehicles."