A TRIALS biking legend from Silsden staged his annual 'skills school' at the weekend.

And pupils included none other than award-winning Geordie stand-up comedian, Ross Noble.

Twelve-times world champion trials rider Dougie Lampkin said it was the second time the popular comic had attended the event.

"I've known Ross for a few years and he loves doing a bit of trials riding when time allows," said Lampkin, 38, who has stepped down from world championship racing but still competes in classics.

"He doesn't have a lot of spare time because of his touring and other commitments, but he came to the school a couple of years ago and was keen to return.

"Ross spent the weekend with us and loved it. If the event had gone on for a week he would have been there for the duration!"

In a twitter message to the Keighley News, Mr Noble paid tribute to the trials biking supremo.

"I love riding motorcycles – especially off-road – and trials is by far the most difficult because you have to be so precise," he said.

"Dougie is a legend and at the same time the most down to earth, lovely bloke.

"There are not many sports where you can get coaching from the best in the world."

Mr Lampkin started his trials school, at Addingham Moorside, 16 years ago.

Thirty riders take part on each day.

"We cater for people of all abilities and ages – at the weekend the youngest was six and oldest 68!" he said.

"The aim is to work on improving individuals' skills."

Lampkin, who received the MBE in 2000 for services to the sport, has over the years notched-up seven outdoor and five indoor world titles.

Although no longer competing internationally, he is still achieving considerable success.

Earlier this year he won the Scottish Six-Day Trial for a record eighth time, 20 years after he first triumphed.

And he is working on developing a new bike with a Spanish company, Vertigo.