Collecting tins for the Oxford Mail's Medibike appeal were stuffed full of cash at a special open day.

Donations totalled nearly £500 as generous visitors packed into TW Motorcycles, in Oxford Road, Kidlington.

A host of top motorcycle stars helped boost the campaign. Clarion Suzuki star John Crawford, the new British 600cc Supersports champion, showed off his race bike, while former superbike champion Niall McKenzie was on hand with his Yamaha R7.

A share of the funds raised from the open day will go to our £15,000 appeal for a 200mph Suzuki Hayabusa, fully kitted out as a paramedic machine, plus training for two riders to use it.

It will be the fastest emergency response bike on the planet and will allow paramedics to get to an emergency quicker to save lives.

Jim Wheeler, owner of TW Motorcycles, said: "The day has been a huge success. It was absolutely packed solid and people have given very generously. "

Cheques, made payable to The Oxfordshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund, can be sent to: Promotions Dept, Oxford Mail, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EJ

Story date: Monday 11 October

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.