Police cannot provide a motorcycle escort for this year's egg run

Nottinghamshire Police withdrew their support for the events at the weekend, saying no more escorts were possible.

The bike riders carry Easter eggs and toys for needy children and the elderly every year to County Hall.

Organiser Keith Glenn said the annual event would continue without the escort, but the lack of police presence was "a big blow".

Timed departures

He said: "We suggested we could hire officers from another force but this was turned down.

"The procession is a focus of media and public attention. It is a big draw to bikers who travel from all over the country to donate eggs and toys.

"I fear the numbers attending will fall," Mr Glenn said.

The event, planned for 20 March, has run for 25 years.

A police spokesman said: "It was agreed that a number of smaller groups could set off at timed intervals.

"This will hopefully minimise the disruption to traffic in the city centre while still allowing this well-established and worthwhile charity event to continue."