Safety boost for Weston-super-Mare beach race

New safety measures have been put in place for this weekend's Weston-super-Mare beach race following a pile-up in one of last year's races.

Seventeen motorcyclists, two of whom were seriously hurt, were taken to hospital following the crash.

The race was stopped and the rest of the event cancelled after officials were left without enough medical cover.

Organisers said arrangements for the start had been altered and some public safety measures had been improved.

"The start's been moved back towards the pier and sweeping 'round down to the big straight," a race spokesman said.

"We've also worked with North Somerset Council to sort a few issues like the crowd being able to put their hands through the barriers, so we've introduced double barriering this year."

During the races motorcyclists have to navigate large sand dunes built by bulldozers on their machines around a three-and-a-half mile (5.6km) track on the beach.

The event brings tens of thousands of extra visitors into the town.