AMONG the thrills and spills of the first-ever Bournemouth Wheels Festival next month will be something that has never been attempted before.

On the Saturday and Sunday of the event, which takes place between May 24 and 26, there will be a real spectacle – as a freestyle motorcross ride attempts to jump over the pier.

The Freestyle Motorcross (FMX) riders will be entertaining the crowds all weekend in the action sports arena, but one of their talented performers – and arguably the finest FMX rider to come out of the UK – Dan Whitby, has agreed to be the first rider ever to jump Bournemouth Pier. You’ll have to see it to believe it.

Dan, who earlier this year spent a month in India as a stunt double for some of the most well-known Bollywood actors, said: “I’m nervous, but can’t wait to be the first rider to attempt this.

“Many riders over the years have discussed whether or not it’s possible, so I’m hoping to prove that it is.”

Des Simmons, chairman of the Coastal Business Improvement District, which is sponsoring the Pier Jump, said: “Watching FMX bikes do incredible aerobatic stunts on Bournemouth beach will be an amazing sight for people of all ages to enjoy.

“Unique to Bournemouth will be the attempt for a daredevil jump from one side of the beach over the pier to the other side on Saturday and Sunday evenings – a thrilling first for the town and another reason that Bournemouth really does ‘Colour Your Life’, so make sure you have your cameras at the ready.”

The Freestyle Motorcross team will be performing up to four shows a day in the action arena on the seafront, with a selection of the UK and Europe’s top riders showing off aerial acrobatics as high as 50ft in the air.