THOUSANDS turned out despite the cold weather and biting wind to watch nearly 300 motocross riders take to Weymouth beach today for this year's Beach Motocross. 

Organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club and Purbeck Motocross Club in association with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, this year marks the event's 30th anniversary and is also the first year the event had been held across two days.

On Saturday crowds watched Squibb freestyle stunt team perform amazing jumps and enjoyed children's entertainer Gorillaman's quad-bike antics on the beach.

A practice session for motocross competitors took place on the beach at midday before Mayor Kate Wheller and Weymouth Carnival Queen Emma Whitbread officially started the races at 1pm.

First aiders were called in to help with minor injuries, and there were a few falls during the day, but nothing prevented riders from going all out to beat their competition and complete the race course.

Ruth Margetts, 78, from Sherborne, said: “I have been coming down to Weymouth at weekends for over 10 years and I watch the motocross every year. I always enjoy it, the weather’s been cold which has helped, but this year has been just as good as last year.

"We came down yesterday for a bit and saw the stunts, they were good. I’ve even brought my 85-year-old sister down because she has never seen it so I thought she’d like it. She’s enjoyed it too.”

Alf Stearn, President of Purbeck Motocross Club, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. There have been around 20,000 visitors just on Sunday, and another 10,000 who came to watch events on Saturday.

"All the riders want to win it and there’s lots of talk of people coming back next year. The weather held out and it was good in the end, it’s worked out well for the two day event.”

Mr Stearn added plans for the 2015 and 2016 events were already underway.