A COUPLE looking for a way to celebrate their friend's 100th birthday hit upon the idea of taking him on trike tour in the Yorkshire Dales.

Steve and Dianne Littlewood laid on the memorable treat for ex-biker Arthur Jackson, who also lives in the village. Mr Jackson celebrated his 100-year milestone on December 9.

His friends arranged a tour aboard a Boom motorised trike around the Yorkshire Dales as a surprise present.

Mr Jackson first stepped onto the trike at Bolton Abbey. He and Mrs Littlewood then enjoyed an exhilarating journey around the Duke of Devonshire’s estate.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Jackson said: “It was amazing. I never thought I would get the chance to ride on a motorbike again and I loved every minute. I will remember it for a very long time!”

Mr Jackson was born in Barrowford, Lancashire, but has lived in Haworth for many years. He bought his first motorbike at the age of 21.

Jason Richards, director of Horsforth-based Yorkshire Trike Tours, who chauffeured Arthur on his tour, said: "It was a pleasure to meet Arthur and a privilege to chauffeur him on his trike tour on this most special day. He is a truly remarkable gentleman.”

Family and friends joined Mr Jackson for a party in the afternoon, and he was able to relive his experience by seeing his trike ride featured on the regional television news that evening.