THOUSANDS of pounds was raised for Children’s Hospice South West when the annual Santas on a Bike ride was held at the weekend.

Over 500 bikes took part in the ride, and Trowbridge bikers met at the BP garage in Beckington to join the convoy.

With many dressed in Santa suits, all the bikers rode together to converge on Dick Lovett BMW Motorrad, Cribbs Causeway for a mass ride to the hospice.

Organiser Oli Allen has been participating in the ride himself since 2013.

He said: “It’s amazing to see the spectacle of hundreds of bikers riding together, all making an incredible effort decorating themselves and their bikes to spread some Christmas cheer around the city and raising money for a great cause.

“The support we get is incredible, with families coming out year after year to wave to the bikes as they pass by.

“We estimate well over 500 bikes attended on the day despite the rain, raising around £10,000 for Children’s Hospice South West which we are so pleased with.

“We are still counting the last few donations so the figure is still going up.”

The Children’s Hospice South West works to make the most of short lives, providing the best possible hospice care for life-limited children and their families.

Last year, the event attracted 868 tinsel covered bikes and raised over £16,000 for the hospice, which cares for children and their families.

Now in its 14th year, the annual Santas on a Bike motorbike ride has become a tradition which many of the bikers participate in every year.

There is no fee for entering, but bikers are encouraged to make a donation towards the cause.