Coronation Street star Jimmi Harkishin, who plays the frisky Dev Alahan in Granada TV’s long running soap opera, will be in front of another huge audience when he rides in the world renowned Thundersprint - Europe’s biggest biking street party.

The Thundersprint takes over the pretty little market town of Northwich, in Cheshire, during the weekend of May 9/10 for an enormous, free street party with a classic motorcycling theme. At the centre of the two days of family fun are the Thundersprint races which take place right in the town centre.

Jimmi, a life-long bike fan, has been keen to ride in the Thundersprint for many years but his busy TV commitments have always prevented him from taking part - until this year.

Jimmi said: "Working in Manchester, I have come to know the Thundersprint very well. I love the idea of a huge family party but with bikes as the centre piece of the action. It has been one of my ambitions to ride in the Thundersprint races alongside all the great riders from the past and the modern superstars who take part every year.

"My mind was finally made up when Chris Booth, of Ducati Manchester, offered me the loan of one of the awesome new Ducati Monsters and I couldn’t wait to sign up.

"I’m very much a Sunday motorcyclist and the thought of being in same paddock as a full blown Grand Prix entry is fantastic. I hope lots of Coronation Street fans will be in Northwich to cheer me on."

Chris Booth, Dealer Principal at Ducati Manchester, said: "Jimmi is one of our most enthusiastic customers. We always have a strong presence at the Thundersprint and it will be great to have Jimmi as our number one works rider this year."

Jimmi will be with Ducati Manchester throughout the weekend of the Thundersprint and with no VIP or restricted areas, fans will have free access to the Coronation Street star.