Two of the world’s top stunt bike riders thrilled shoppers in Wrexham.

They put on a spectacular show at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre where, for once, riding in a pedestrian area was greeted with cheers of delight and applause.

The Animal Bike Tour 2012 included a heady mix of incredible skill, control, balance and the sheer daring of two of the world’s top stunt riders.

The show was put on to celebrate the opening of the lifestyle fashion shop, Animal, at Eagles Meadow.

The stunts were performed within a cordoned-off arena crammed full of impossibly high ramps and obstacles specially erected outside the Animal store.

According to Robin Kitchin, Animal Bike Tour 2012 manager, the show was something Wrexham had never seen before.

He said: “We were delighted to get the call to come to Eagles Meadow and the guys, world champion trials rider Martyn Ashton and top dirt jumper Blake Samson, wanted to put on a real show.

“Our last job before coming here was performing at the British Formula 1 Grand Prix  and we spent all week getting the rig and bikes cleaned and checked due to all the mud.

“However, Eagles Meadow is a fantastic venue and the crowds of people packing around the arena to watch the guys go through their paces and routines has been phenomenal.

“The tour is now in it’s 10th year and as well as showing off the incredible skill of riders such as  Martyn and Blake, it’s also about promoting BMX riding and being fit and active.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Cllr Ian Roberts, and his wife, Hilary, were in the crowd to watch the first of four performances by the Animal riders throughout the day.

Cllr Ian Roberts was amazed by the skill and sheer daring of the riders.

He said: “Absolutely spectacular, there’s nothing else you can say. Yet again Eagles Meadow has brought us something different.

“It was fantastic to see so many youngsters enthralled and inspired by what they were witnessing.

“It is absolutely brilliant to see events like the Animal Bike Tour 2012 come to Wrexham and it’s fantastic to see so many people obviously enjoying something different right here in the heart of the town.”

The show certainly got the thumbs up from Ysgol Clywedog pupils Charlie and Lewis Jones, Taps Kamutasa and Taylor Dodd-Jones, all 12.

Charlie said: “It was awesome, amazing. I’d love to be able to do stunts like that.”

Taps agreed, and said: “I never thought you could get that high on a BMX. It was the best thing I’ve seen!”

World champion trials rider Martyn Ashton, who hails from Berkshire but now lives in Margram, South Wales, said the Eagles Meadow crowd had been brilliant.

He said: “It always helps if you get a good enthusiastic crowd cheering and clapping you on and we certainly had that here in Wrexham. It was awesome and I hope we have put on a show that everyone enjoyed.”

Fellow stunt rider, Zimbabwean-born Blake Samson, who now lives on the Isle of Wight, added: “I really got a good feel about the show. It’s great when you get a good crowd who clearly enjoy what we are doing.

“I have really enjoyed the day at Eagles Meadow the atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant and I hope everyone has had a good time and enjoyed what we do.”

Eagles Meadow’s Animal store manager, Jenna Ihle, says the event proved to be a huge success.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic day and proved a real boost to trade. Everyone has been buzzing about the stunts and talking about the amazing riding skills of the two guys.

“As a store we are relatively new to Wrexham and it’s about getting our name and our brand known. Since we opened a few months ago we have been doing well and more and more people are coming back as repeat customers.

“Today has helped us improve our customer base and let people know what fantastic sports-inspired clothing, watches, wetsuits, technical outwear, eyewear, footwear, luggage and accessories we have for sale.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley saluted the skill and sheer courage of the stunt riders.

He said: “This was an exhilarating show of fantastic stunts which left the crowd spellbound and amazed. It was utterly brilliant.”