Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the Bike4Life campaign with firefighters joining the convoy of thousands of motorbikes as it weaves its way through the county on Sunday, April 22.

The annual event is the largest motorcycle gathering in the country which raises funds for the Air Ambulance when an estimated 12,000 riders will take part in a 23 mile ride from Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford via the M54 in Telford.

Shrewsbury fire station’s Watch Manager Paul Gray and Crew Manager Rich Meadows, both experienced motorcyclists, will be with the convoy on its route.

Lifesaving messages are to be emblazoned on petrol pumps to remind Shropshire drivers about fire prevention and road safety.

Busy petrol forecourts in Shrewsbury and Telford will have vivid adverts displayed about the importance of regular smoke alarm checks and to remind motorists to be aware of vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians especially during the dark wintry months.

Lord Digby Jones keenly watched Shropshire firefighters as they professionally freed a driver “trapped” in the wreckage of a car in a road safety demonstration in the county.

He later sat inside the car, which had its roof removed, for photos to help publicise the campaign to raise awareness about road safety for business drivers.

The road safety event was organised by the TTC Group in Telford which educates 320,000 road users each year.

An appeal has gone out for more “on call” firefighters across Shropshire but they are especially needed in both Prees and Newport.

Anyone interested can turn up at two recruitment events being held at Newport Fire Station, Salters Lane, on March 12 from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, March 28 from 10am to 1pm.

There are a total of 15 firefighters who cover the Newport area but they need more with six recently retiring or moving away.

While there are are 11 firefighters in Prees but “we can take 16,” says Watch Manager Tony Peck, who works at a concrete plant.