Santa’s biking helpers

ABOUT 120 bikers and scooter riders from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire travelled together to the Salvation Army’s headquarters in Balderton to donate gifts to the organisation’s annual toy appeal.

The appeal aims to give Christmas presents to poor or struggling people in the area, with more than 200 presents expected this year.

The bikers, who met at The Admiral Rodney, Southwell, before driving to Mead Way, Balderton, were greeted by the army’s band, which played Christmas songs.

Biker and organiser Mr John Judson, of Lower Kirklington Road, Southwell, said: “What I like about donating toys to the Salvation Army’s toy appeal is that they go straight to the people in need.”

“It’s what I call direct action. There’s no third party or anything like that involved. The Salvation Army is a terrific organisation to support.

“It’s also just fun to meet up and get out with bikes and friends.”

Major Tim Justice, of the Salvation Army, said: “We have been holding the toy appeal for a number of years now. We carried it on since it started on ITV.

“Social services identify families and people who might like our presents and then we try to organise it so each child or adult gets two to three gifts.

“It’s a way of improving some people’s Christmas and hopefully our presents make it a nicer time for them.”

The bikers brought presents including books, crayons, teddy bears, and board games.

Biker Bonnie Pollard, of Thoroton Avenue, Balderton, a pillion passenger, made the journey from Southwell dressed as a reindeer.

She said: “I’ve brought some good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzles with me to give to the charity.”