More than 250 bikers join Christmas gift appeal

Sixteen years ago John Judson had an idea - to gather a few biker friends together and donate gifts to a Christmas present appeal.

Since then the event has snowballed and on Sunday more than 250 bikers rode in convoy to deliver hundreds of presents to Newark Salvation Army in Balderton, Nottinghamshire.

It makes "a massive difference to children in need" according to John who is astonished at how the event has grown from just 17 bikers in the first year.

"You feel humble that all these people have turned out for something you've done," he told the BBC.

Mr Judson has handed the mantle to fellow biker Mark Spindley who organised this year's event.

"This is all about supporting the Salvation Army and getting toys for the children who aren't so lucky on Christmas morning," he explained.

Mr Spindley, who led the convoy dressed as Father Christmas, described it as "fantastic fun" adding: "You get to dress up as Santa, everyone is waving to you, cars are papping their horns, little kiddies at the side of the road just stop with their mouths open in awe it's great, it's brilliant fun."

The Salvation Army holds present appeals all over the country and the charity estimates a total of 68,000 gifts will be donated to give to families in need.

Newark's Salvation Army minister, Captain Sarah O'Grady, said the presents donated by the bikers and the local community would support 400 children in the area.

She said it was important for the charity to support families trying to find money for Christmas presents, which can be a "difficult drain" when they "already struggle to pay their bills, pay their rent and put food on the table".

"We want to reach out to people and offer them gifts for their children so that's one less thing they have to worry about spending money on this Christmas time," she added.

Donations are being taken in by the Salvation Army until 7 December.

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