The UK quad bike and motocross beach championships delivered a thrilling season’s finale on the main sands at Margate at the weekend.

Thousands of spectators from Thanet and beyond lined the prom to watch the high speed action unfold on the specially-created circuit that featured a range of dune jumps and straights that tested the strength, stamina and strategy of the riders.

More than 80 competitors battled it out in a range of classes over two days, with Frenchmen Arnold Degousee and Cedric Tosatto taking first and second spot in the Margate motocross event and the overall season’s standings. In the quad bike title race, Essex rider Jamie Clarke rode masterfully to another championship.

Race director Tony Nash said: “Once again we received a terrific welcomed and brilliant support. Big thanks go to Thanet Council, Island Events and Ovenden Plant Hire.

“We all stayed in and around the town and had a great time, including an unofficial civic meeting at the old town hall and museum with the mayoralty and councillors.”

Mr Nash said that the riders are already looking forward to returning to Margate to start next year’s season on March 8/9.