Bikers got into gear as they spread Christmas cheer, in villages and towns across Newark and Sherwood, as they delivered gifts on the annual Salvation Army Toy Run

A record number of bikers joined forces to hand deliver hundreds of gifts, which will go to some of the most disadvantaged families in our area this Christmas.

The annual Salvation Army Toy Run returned on Sunday (December 1) for its 15th year, with a total of 207 bikes, trikes, choppers, and mopeds joining the Christmas convoy decked out in festive decorations.

Dressed as Santa, elves, reindeer, and even the Grinch, they came out in force to support the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal — which aims to ensure every child has a present to open on Christmas Day.

The group began their journey at The Waggon and Horses pub in Bleasby, before putting on a dazzling display as they passed through rural villages and towns across the district.

Despite rain threatening to dampen spirits, it was all smiles heading into Newark and over Trent Bridge, as the bikers entertained bystanders and motorists who stopped to cheer and honk their horns in support.

Come rain or shine, the bikers would have been out all the same, and the results of their determination were clear as they arrived at the Salvation Army church, on Mead Way, Balderton and tables began overflowing with gifts.

Sarah O’Grady, who took over at leader of the Newark Salvation Army earlier this year, was emotional as she experienced her first Toy Run event.

“I’m overwhelmed,” she said, “Overwhelmed by the generosity, the way people has come together is beautiful, and the compassion on show is so emotional and overflowing.

“The enthusiasm for it seems to be growing every year, and just seeing how many people have shown up is incredible.”

Toy Run organiser John Judson founded the event with just a handful of riders, but now in its 15th year, with more participants than ever and after delivering tens of thousands of toys, he has decided to step aside and let someone else take over.

“It is very gratifying to see so many people getting together for a good cause,“ said John.

“We’ve broken our own record, with over 200 bikes turning up and people coming from all across the Midlands.

“I thought I’d feel emotional and sentimental, but a time comes when you have to hand it on and that is only right.

“I won’t be in charge anymore, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be here riding along and helping out where I can.”

He will be handing over the reins to another experienced biker, Mark Spindley, who for many years has been the chief marshal responsible for keeping everyone on the ride safe.

Mark said: ”John started [the Toy Run] 15 years ago and he has done an absolutely amazing job.

“I feel very humbled to have been asked to take it on. I had to think about it for a while, but I hope I can do him proud.

“There will always be challenges, but today has been brilliant.

“Bikers can get a bad press in general, but when we came through Newark everyone was smiling, and there was a lot of cheering — no matter how old you are, seeing Santa makes you a child again.”

The Salvation Army are still taking donations of new and unwrapped toys, chocolate selection boxes, or monetary offering for the Toy Appeal until this Sunday, December 8.

Donations can be dropped off at the church on Mead Way, Balderton during opening hours.