A NEW museum which pays homage to Silloth's motorcycling history has been described as a "fantastic achievement" for the town and for Cumbria.

Silloth Motorcycle Museum opened to the roar of almost 100 bikers who arrived in Esk Street on Good Friday.

It's been founded by local biking legend Jim Snaith, who has put his vast personal collection of bikes, memorabilia and medals on display for the first time.

Mayor of Silloth Tony Markley was among scores of people who turned out to show their support when it was officially opened by British sidecar champion Rob Fisher.

Mr Markley said: "From the heritage of motorbike racing on the airfield to having an Isle of Man TT winner living in our town it is a fantastic achievement for Silloth and Cumbria."

Snaith, a former Isle of Man TT champion, retired as a self-employed driving instructor through ill health and was at a loss what to do.

He decided his collection was wasted sitting in his garage and set about creating a motorbike attraction, something that would also celebrate the history of Silloth's race track which existed between 1961 and 1982 and once hosted a British championship meeting attended by thousands of people.

The museum is the latest incarnated of his mother Margaret Snaith's house. It was a cookware shop before that and she also ran it as a women's clothes shop.

Now 82, she is pleased to see Jim has managed to find another use for the space.

"The plan is, it's free to enter but I will gratefully accept donations," he said. "The money is going to upgrade and change the exhibition. And people coming on their own bikes will kind of be an attraction itself."

Keith Tinnings, 68, and five friends rode out from Workington.

"Everyone has come to support the local people. It's another addition and somewhere for the visitors to go. Cumbria has to rely on the tourists," he said.