STUNT motorcyclists dazzled onlookers as they performed tricks while flying through the air in Southampton city centre.

As The Vans Freestyle Display Team loudly revved up the engines of their 4 Stroke 250cc and 450cc race bikes the crowd knew they were in for an unforgettable spectacle.

And that is just what the stunt riders delivered as they took it in turns to show off their mid air acrobatics riding their bikes with no hands, legs twisted in the air and even hanging over the handlebars.

Each accelerated up a 30ft ramp and travelled 60ft in mid air before landing on another 30ft ramp in front of the Bargate.

The fast paced 15-minute spectacular culminated in one stunt rider performing a spectacular somersault mid air although he did end up falling off his machine on landing.

A second later he stood up safe and well to rapturous applause.

"Your lunchbreak will never be the same again," Lee Peck of Southampton's public and marketing relations company, LeepeckGreenfield said afterwards.

He helped organise the event to promote the FIM World Motocross Championship this weekend at the Matterley Basin on the A31 north of Winchester.

The event is expected to pump an estimated £3.5m into the economy with teams from all over the world taking part.

About 20 of the motorcross bikes that will be seen in action on Sunday took part in a parade around the city centre's streets before the stunt display.

Ian Rothwell, Southampton City Manager said: "Having events such as this is really good for the city centre.

"It brings people in and provides plenty of enjoyment. It was great to see 20 bikes under police escort doing jumps and tricks on the parade as well."

Organisers of this weekend's event will help to raise money for the BBC Radio Solent Daisy Appeal, the campaign backed by the Daily Echo to help the Wessex Cancer Trust.

A new motocross bike has been donated for a raffle and there will be collection buckets for donations.

Tickets for the Motocross Grand Prix are available online from www.06MX.com or by calling 0845 456 6536.