A HIGH octane motocross procession was set to hit Southampton city centre today.

Twenty-six spectacular competition motorbikes were taking to the streets for a lunchtime procession ahead of the World Motocross Championships being held in Hampshire this weekend.

Police outriders and a squad car were escorting the procession on a special route through the city centre to promote the Grand Prix.

The procession was organised to give people an idea of the excitement lined up for the two-day extravaganza at Matterley Basin just north of Winchester off the A31.

After the parade, there was due to be an exciting freestyle motocross display at Below Bar with riders performing thrilling jumps and stunts.

The procession was due to leave the Bargate at 1pm and will parade through the city's streets for 20 minutes before returning to the Bargate.

Organisers of the weekend event are helping to raise funds for the BBC Radio Solent Daisy Appeal, the campaign backed by the Daily Echo to help Wessex Cancer Trust.

A brand new moto-cross bike has been donated for a raffle and event organisers will also donate £100 for every 1,000 visitors to the event. People will also be able to drop spare change into appeal collection buckets, with all donations going directly to the charity.

Tickets for the Motocross Grand Prix are available online from www.06MX.com or by calling 0845 4566536.