VSEL apprentice coppersmith Stuart Wood was due to ‘fly the flag’ for Barrow when he competed in the final of Cumbria Young Motorcyclist of the Year final in September 1989.

Stuart, 18, of Middle Hill, Barrow, had won the heat organised for the south of the county by PC Dick Orrell, of Ulverston, a few days previously.

Eleven competitors took part in the event, held as the car park at Asda at Walney Road.

The bikers, who were aged between 17 and 25, were tested on their knowledge of the Highway Code, manoeuvrability and road skills over a ten-mile ride.

It was the second time that Stuart, riding his Honda VT 250, had entered the competition and he said he found it fairly difficult.

“I just entered for the fun of it really,” he said.

“I think it’s a good thing to promote safety.”

He was due to be joined in the final by David Sheard, 24, of Well Ings, Kendal, who was second in the Barrow heat, and Neil Brooks, 17, of New Church Lane, Ulverston, who had finished in third place.

All competitors received a prize presented by Chief Superintendent Sid Monk.

The finals were due to be held at Cumbria Police headquarters at Carleton Hall, Penrith.

Those taking part in the final were due to receive cash vouchers presented by Chief Constable Leslie Sharp.

Prizes for the Barrow heat winners came from John Stewart Motor Cycles, Crooks Suzuki Ltd, Sovereign Chemicals, Terry Chemicals, T Brady and Sons, Barrow, Crossley Builders and Oxleys of Ulverston.

In April 1994 The Mail ran a feature about the Compulsory Basic Training Certificate, which formed the first step towards obtaining a full motorcycle licence.

A Mail reporter wrote about taking the test, which involved a day on a disused car park.

Those taking part were taken through very basic control and showed everything they needed to be safe on the road.

After passing the CBT, riders can take the full test.