Motorcycle legend Carl Fogarty returning to Shropshire for 2017 Bike4Life ride

The former World Superbike champion will lead next year's Bike4Life Ride Out for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Now in its seventh year, Bike4Life has grown to attract 6,000 bikers each year, riding 23 miles from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford, home to the Bike4Life Festival, which attracts a further 6,000 people.

Carl Fogarty was the star of Bike4Life in 2015, and is returning on April 30 to help raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity, which airlifts motorcyclists on a regular basis.

Carl said: "Bike4Life is one of the best biker events in the calendar, and it's all in aid of a very important cause.

"When I took part previously the atmosphere on the day was fantastic and it was great to so many with bikers, fans and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's own supporters.

"I'm really looking forward to once again leading the Ride Out, and as registration is now open, I'd urge people to sign up as there are limited places in the Ride Out."

Jason Levy from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and chair of the Bike4Life organising committee, added: "We are honoured Carl is returning to the Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival.

"His career achievements are legendary, and we know he will really help make Bike4Life 2017 be a great success.

"As well as being a great day out, Bike4Life also aims to raise vitally important funds for our lifesaving service, so I'd encourage anyone thinking of getting involved, to support our event and register now for the Ride Out."

To take part in the Ride Out, led by Carl Fogarty, visit bike4lifefest.com.

It costs £10 per motorbike, pillions ride for free, to register with all proceeds raised going to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

For those who don't take part in the Ride Out, entrance to the Bike4Life Festival is £5 per person and under 16s go free.

Bike4Life is run in collaboration with Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police who work to promote road safety and to help reduce the number of road traffic collisions across West Mercia.

The event is supported by the Central Motorway Police Group, Highways England, West Mercia Police Shropshire County Council, the RAF Museum Cosford and RAF Cosford.