WOMEN from around the UK geared up today to set off from Oxford and continue a world relay on their motorbikes.

Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) is a movement set up to show the motorsport industry the 'force' behind the female biker market.

Hayley Bell came up with the idea which snowballed into a movement spanning over 100 countries across the world with over 14,000 women involved.

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She said: "This is a chance to celebrate and give light to women riders globally while also highlighting their increasing numbers as the fastest growing market in the motorcycle industry."

The relay started on February 27, 2019 from John O’Groats, Scotland, and will continue across the world over the next 12 months via a baton being passed from woman to woman, country to country.

The route across the UK and Ireland is taking place over 12 days and has already inspired and motivated over 200 women participants, known as Guardians, to carry the hand-carved baton across the first stretch of the relay.

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Nicola Harris, from Bracknell, is taking part in the relay despite only passing her test last week.

She said: "I've always wanted to ride a bike - it's the best feeling in the world. I decided that this was something I could do to bring awareness to motorsport."

Lynda Harding, from Witney, joined the group which is heading to Ace Cafe in London where inspirational female figures from the motorbike industry spoke.

The group will travel to Sittingbourne tomorrow before going to France.