A MOTORCYLE and side car built in the Cotswolds has featured in the new series of ITV's Britain's Got Talent (BGT).

The Royal Enfield motorcyle and Watsonian sidecar, painted in Union Jack colours, was ridden by the show's hosts Ant and Dec to kick off the eighth series of the talent competition, which aired on April 12.

Built specially for the show by Watsonian Squire, based in the Northwick Business Centre, Blockley, the pair ride the motorcycle and side car through London streets followed by a procession of dancers before heading down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

Ben Matthews, co-director and Watsonian Squire, said he enjoyed a couple of days filming with Ant and Dec who were riding round collecting all the British talent.

"It was good, a lot of people watch it," he said. "It's good for side car publicity which is one of the reasons we wanted to do it. I was proud to be part of it."

Before Ant could get on the motorcycle, Mr Matthews had to give him some instruction on how to ride it with a side car.

"I think he enjoyed it," he added. "He had a smile on his face."

The firm was put on the map about four years ago when its pale blue Royal Enfield motorcyle and Watsonian sidecar featured in the seventh Harry Potter movie – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

People will be able to see the BGT motorcycle and side car at Blockley's May Day event on Sunday, May 4 at the Sports club from 2pm to 5pm.