A Keighley man is reaching for the sky to take bike enthusiasts to the Isle of Man TT races.

Geoff Hopkins - a director of Flykeen Airline - and company colleagues have launched an air shuttle service specifically to cater for fans of the famous annual event.

And the TT service has been endorsed by four times World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty, who has given his support to help ensure the shuttle gets off to a flying start.

The service - from Blackpool - is in addition to the twice-a-day flights already operated by Flykeen between the Isle of Man and the north-west.

Organisers of this year's TT races, which begin today and run until June 7, are expecting record crowds following the cancellation of last year's event due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Carl Fogarty now runs his own World Superbike team - featuring top riders James Haydon and Troy Corser - which will be making its championship debut in July.

He said: "This summer promises to be a fantastic time for racing fans, with our new World Superbike team making its debut and the TT races returning after last year's cancellation.

"Flykeen's new air shuttle service is an easy, fast and hassle-free way to travel to the Isle of Man for the excitement of the TT races."

Mr Hopkins, a bike enthusiast himself and a regular visitor to the Isle of Man event, said: "We wanted to provide a service which met the demands of TT fans for a fast, convenient and easy route to and from the island.

"We will lay on additional flights and aircraft to cope with the demand, so that there is a seamless service."

For further details or to book a flight call freephone 0800 083 77 83.

Ready for take-off ... Above - Keighley businessman Geoff Hopkins, left, with four-times World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty