A GROUP of 750 motorcyclists drove a ride of honour across North Yorkshire on Sunday to raise money for soldiers injured in Afghanistan.

The bikers drove from Squires Bikers Café at Newthorpe, near Sherburn-in-Elmet, to Eden Camp in Malton to raise money for Help For Heroes and the Black Rat Regiment Fund.

Jill Hatton, mother of York soldier Matthew Hatton, who was killed in Afghanistan, started the ride at 10am by setting off a large firework before she ran back to join husband Phil on his motorcycle.

Phil said: “It was quite impressive. It is because of the charity that so many people were more than happy to sign up and do it. It’s a privilege that we were asked to ride with them,” he said.

The convoy was escorted by police, who stopped traffic at Hopgrove Roundabout, to enable them to pass and contained the bikers in the inside lane of the A64.

Biker Billy, who organised the event, said they had aimed to raised £5,500, but had reached £6,500 before he even arrived at the event where more money was collected.

He said participants were given a safety briefing and they travelled at 30 to 40 mph and arrived at Eden Camp just after 11.30am.

Military organisations, including the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce, met them at Eden Camp and the Queen’s Own Yeomanry joined the ride in a tank.