DEVON County Council's support of motorcycle safety schemes is having a positive impact in reducing collisions involving bikers.

Last year, one biker died on Devon's roads - the lowest number of biker deaths ever recorded in the county, and down from six in both 2012 and 2011.

However, the Council wants to continue that reduction and make the county even safer for motorcyclists.

It is currently backing an appeal by The Peninsula Trauma Network for old or unwanted motorcycle jackets, trousers or leathers.

In an emergency, motorcycle clothing would often to be cut off, so the donated clothing would be used on mannequins to help its trauma team staff to practice doing this quickly and efficiently.

Iain Grant, Clinical Director for the Peninsula Trauma Network, said: “There is good evidence that regular training for trauma teams improves performance and saves the lives of injured people. It is important that this training is as realistic as possible and so the use of unwanted leathers is invaluable.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Last year we had the lowest number of motorcyclists killed on Devon's roads on record. Considering there were plenty of bikers on the roads last year, particularly as it was a good summer, it's encouraging to see casualty numbers reducing. However, one death is still one too many.”