IT could have been the final time bikers roared into Fordingbridge for the Moto Guzzi GB bank holiday meeting.

For more than a decade, bikes from the International V-Twin Motorbike Rally have revved up for the packed High Street procession, lined five rows deep with visitors and residents to watch the spectacle.

But, fears have been raised that the event in Fordingbridge will be the last because increasing costs of staging the event are impacting its attendance but members do not want to pay more.

The club's secretary Serena Powis is saddened at the prospect of the rally leaving Fordingbridge.

But Fordingbridge Mayor Malcolm Connolly said he would do what it takes to keep Moto Guzzi in the town and is holding a meeting with town council members and the Moto Guzzi executive committee at the end of the month.

“The Moto Guzzi rally is something the town looks forward to hosting each year," he said.

"It is a fantastic event and it would be a deep shame if this weekend was the last. There are lots of rumours that this year was the final year, but nothing has been set in stone yet and there is still room for negotiation, we hope."

The Moto Guzzi Club GB was established 1976 by a small band of 40 enthusiasts.

Mr Connolly said: "There are many reasons why the rally in Fordingbridge could be the last. I understand that many members do not want to pay more, so maybe we could host a Moto Guzzi Summer Event and not an event exclusively for the Twin V bikes.

"The riders are getting older, it is important to remember that they are 40 years on from when they first started, and camping isn't always the most comfortable option, so perhaps we could allow campervans and caravans to pitch on the recreation ground for one weekend a year.

"I am hoping that at our discussions at the end of September we can work out what we can do to help keep the event in the town because we most definitely want our relationship with Moto Guzzi to continue."

Each year, bikers camped by the river on the recreation ground, and real ale and food was served from marquees and trade stands while live music entertained the crowds.