North East Worcestershire College has come to the aid of the National Motorcycle Museum.

The college is offering to restore one of the priceless collection of machines damaged during a blaze at the Solihull based Museum last September.

Having experienced a similarly devastating fire themselves four years ago, staff and students were quick to offer their assistance.

They have already started work to restore one of the damaged exhibits.

The Triumph XR75 Hurricane - an early 1970s bike - was one of only 1200 ever made.

It is hoped that it will be handed back to the Museum restored to its original factory condition in summer 2004.

Motorcycle Maintenance tutor Dave White said: "It was heartbreaking to see the devastation at the Museum and here at the College we are determined to make some contribution to the restoration of this national treasure."

It is hoped that the College will be able to display the restored machine prior to its return to Solihull and that following a successful restoration that another project can be undertaken.

Dave White added: "Britain's motorcycle industry was based in this area and this is a unique opportunity for today's students to get a practical history lesson."

Many irreplaceable machines were damaged in the fire, but, where possible, they will be restored once again to their original showroom condition.