A GERMAN team hosted by a Silsden family featured prominently in a New Year's Day trial at Bingley.

The sun came out over Deer Park where the Bradford Motor Club staged their first trial on the season.

Not only were the usual competitors in action, but also an eight-strong party from Germany who have ridden four trials over the Christmas period and been based with the Whitham family at Silsden.

All are members of the Hippell Racing Team along with 18-year-old Gabby Whitham.

Her mother and father, Kim and Paul, have become accommodation and catering experts, and part-time interpreters, although the visitors spoke English.

The entry soared to 78 starters, who rode a Nathan Wrigglesworth prepared ten section four lap course.

The rush by Wrigglesworth, who is from Cowling, cost him eight penalties, but he held off German Moritz Rua, who recently won the Spen Valley trial.

The German was by far the most skilled of his compatriots. Max Eck was fifth, Max Beeb claimed eighth and Robert Bereiter tenth.

Ilkley heating engineer Andy Tales topped the 50/50 class from Skipton's Richard Thornton.

Dan Lambert ran off with the easy class from Peter Hollingworth.

German girl Jana Horr took 13th place in class, just ten marks ahead of 14-year-old Lucy Ayrton, of Barnoldswick.

The ever smiling German girl enjoyed every minute of her Yorkshire visit as a member of the Hipple Racing Team.

The group spent Wednesday practicing courtesy of Mr Pratt at Silsden, who allowed the team to practice on his land. They will head home this week.