The local branch of the Panther Owners' Club meets on the first Sunday of every month at the Commercial Pub, in Bradford Road, but this year's September meet saw members from around the country make a pilgrimage to the original factory site.

The classic bikes were manufactured by Phelon & Moore between 1900–67 and were renowned for their innovative designs and two gear chain system.

Over 30 bikers made the trek and were rewarded with a communal celebration of all that is great about the classic bikes.

Member Doug Stockley, of Gomersal, has researched the history of the bikes since 1980 and is an expert on the machines.

"It was a great day because we all got the chance to show off our rare bikes. To have so many riders come to Cleckheaton, where the bikes were manufactured, was fantastic," Doug said.

"They're sought-after bikes and it's very hard to buy them nowadays because no one wants to sell them. Even though they stopped making them in 1967, our members often make their own parts such as mud guards and petrol tanks and it's established practise to do this now."

The day's oldest rider, driving the oldest Panther bike was Scholes resident John Farrow who made the short trip on his 1937 Model 30 bike.

Members Bob Jolly and John Shaw travelled to Cleckheaton from Glasgow and another member drove all the way from Germany.

The Panther Owners' Club has around 800 members around the world and between them, they own around 2,500 bikes. Some members own several, which they regularly take for run outs.

"Most of the members still use their bikes, it's not a case of them storing them away and never using them. Lots of people go on rides through Europe and some have gone to New Zealand and California as well," Doug added.

* For more information about the Panther Owners' Club visit http://www.pantherownersclub.com.