Fallen 'Viking' gets back to the biking

A FORMER oil rig worker who dresses as a Viking and cruises the roads on a motorbike is back in the saddle after a crash.

Father of three Mark Slater, 49, of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, thought that his days as "Viker Biker" could be over after the accident left him with neck injuries and his Yamaha Virago 535 ruined.

But Mr Slater, who donned his costume five years ago to help raise funds for charities, said he decided to put on his horned helmet once more after finding another bike and toughening his armour.

"I had the accident in November," said Mr Slater. "I hurt my neck and my bike was absolutely wrecked. I wasn't sure what to do.

"But I've got a Yamaha DragStar XVS 1100 which I've nicknamed Thor and got my confidence back. I'm still a bit sore but I'm on the road again."