Vespa

In addition, two Vespas were provided for the course, Vespa Philippines' latest Sprint (150cc) and S (125cc) models, both equipped with i-get (Italian Green Technology) engines.

Apart from actual Vespas, the exhibition will also display a variety of Cypriot Vespa advertisements and articles from as far back as the 50s, as well as a number of international photos, videos and advertisements that concern the scooter.

Registration takes place with the driver's own Vespas. Regular motorbikes are not acceptable, as they provide less safety to riders.

Douglas Motorcycles, of Bristol, marketed the first Vespas under licence in Britain from 1951 and the scooter became a symbol of a new-found sense of freedom and progress, featuring heavily in films, advertising and literature.

He said: "Vespas are built for commuting and I am a bit nervous.

"Taking Vespas to Italy?" Reading the article about scooters recently in the Telegraph I recalled my scooter days.

We decant our belongings into sausage-shaped yellow waterproof bags, to be trussed to the back of the Vespas.

But Piaggio clearly knows they have just as strong an appeal to girls, with some of the latest Vespas being clearly targeted at women, like this baby blue version I'm riding, the Vespa LX 125 Celeste Glamour.

THE hair has gone grey and the eyesight is not what it once was but these scooter boys are still in love with their Vespas.

Vespas, Aprilias (another Italian-design scooter) and other models, including Honda, Yamaha and the new all-electric Vectrix, are booming because of fuel costs and improved designs, enthusiasts and people in the industry say.

Hondas and Yamahas from Japan, Kymcos from Taiwan and the granddaddy of all floorboarded two-wheelers - Italian-made Vespas - are seeing a resurgence in popularity as motorists look for alternatives to gas-hungry cars.

By the 1950s, Vespas were being made in 180 countries, including Britain where any self-respecting 60s and 70s Mod would have never been caught dead without one.