THE British Motorcycle Charitable Trust has presented a 1929 motorcycle and sidecar to The Museum in the Park on long term loan.

Built by Baughan Motors of Stroud, it won many motorcycle trials between 1929 and 1946 and was so successful that in 1935 the company boasted that it was barred from a number of important events on the grounds that was not possible for other machines to win.

The secret of its success was that the engine drove the sidecar wheel, as well as the rear wheel, and gave it exceptional grip on mud and grass.

The motorcycle was restored by Graham Stagg, whose father became Baughan Motors first apprentice in 1924.

At the same time as the motorcycle was handed over, the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust also presented a donation of £500 to the Gloucestershire Air Ambulance.

John Kidson, a trustee of the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust, said: "We exists to preserve and promote public understanding and enjoyment of our motorcycling heritage. We are pleased that this machine can now be seen and appreciated close to where it was made and had such great sporting success."