Police are warning motorists that traffic jams are likely during the Ride of Respect on Sunday when 10,000 bikers are expected in Wootton Bassett.

The ride, in aid of charity Afghan Heroes, will come a year after an inaugural event in which an estimated 22,000 bikers raised more than £100,000.

Officers say they will work with the Highways Agency, the MoD and Wiltshire Council this year to ensure people fiorm the town can get to their homes but they are urging other drivers to other routes.

Chief Inspector Charlie Dibble said it was wonderful to see so many bikers registered for the ride which is raising money for the charity, which supports British servicemen and women and their families.

But he added: “Other motorists who are planning to travel along the proposed route that day should be aware that traffic delays are likely and I would urge them to consider other routes.”

Temporary road signs already line the route from Hullavington airfield, warning motorists about expected traffic delays.

The A3102 in both directions from the junction of the A3102 and Whitehill Lane to Boroughfields Roundabout will also be closed.

There will also be temporary traffic lights installed two miles north of junction 17 on the A429 near the entrance to Hullavington Airfield, and at Callow Hill crossroads, although the latter will only affect west bound traffic on the B4042.

Inspector Chris Martin of Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury Police said the public should be relatively unhindered by the volume of bikes. “There’s going to be some inconvenience caused but, by working with our partner agencies, we are going to ensure residents can get access to their properties,” he said.

Inspector Martin said the High Street will be closed, although residents travelling north bound only will be given access.

The riders will come through the town in intervals after the cruise begins at Hullavington Airfield.

It continues along the A429 (north west to Burton Hill), B4042 (Priory Roundabout to Callows Cross), Callow Hill to White Hill Lane and the A3102 to Wootton Bassett.

After passing through Wootton Bassett High Street, the riders will continue on the A3102 to Junction 16 of the M4 and disperse.

Non-registered bikers will be unable to take part as registrations have now closed. For more details, visit www.afghanheroes.org.uk