Legendary Manx motorcycle stunt team the Purple Helmets were in action at Onchan Raceway on Sunday night.

They teamed up with UK team The White Helmets, who were making their final visit to the island.

The event was in support of Hospice Isle of Man.

We spoke to Purple Helmet Terry Harrison.

1. How did the Purple Helmets start, how many of you are there and how did you come to join?

’The Purple Helmets started thousands of weeks ago. The Purple Helmets don’t use real time they use last orders time.

’There are at least seven Purple Helmets and no more than 25 depending on the birth rate that year.

’I never joined the Purple Helmets.

’No one joins the Purple Helmets. They are chosen.

’I was shanghai’d as the Purple Helmets only had one skinny very short helmet, Alty, but he was too ginger.

’I was on Foxdale promenade eating chips cheese and gravy and was offered a lift back to Lower Foxdale by Chuck. I have never been home since.’

2. How long have you been a member?

’I have been a member of the Helmets for thousands of last orders and even more "Manx" last orders at TTs.’

3. What sort of stunts have you been involved in?

’I have been involved in all the Purple Helmet stunts but mainly the ones that show my physique and don’t involve riding ability or bravery or hard work.’

4. Do you ride/have a bike yourself?

’Purple Helmets only ride Honda C90s.

’No one knows why because no Purple Helmet has the brain power to ask questions or answer questions. Especially, Big Bear and Raf.’

5. Do you have a favourite stunt?

’My favourite stunt is any stunt that Chunk is not involved in.

’He was an accident waiting to happen before he was born.’

6. Has anything ever gone badly wrong, any dangerous moments?

’Everything goes badly wrong and every moment is dangerous.’

7. What would you say has been your funniest moment/moments?

’The funniest moment for me is when the Purple Helmet Bejesus gets so drunk on cashew nuts and tins of Breaker that he weeps to go home every first night of TT.

’No Purple Helmet will weep till race day Wednesday morning.’

8. How long do you think the Purple Helmets will continue for/what does the future hold for them?

’The Purple Helmets will live forever in the hearts of every human and prisoner who has ever watched their spectacular shows.

’Purple Helmet Lord Pearson once said "as long as red wine is sold on that rock of yours, I will be there for the Purple Helmets. They are total sh*te".’

l See two pages of photos from the Purple Helmets show with the White Helmets in this week’s Examiner. On sale now.