Ride to the Wall 2016 PICTURES: Thousands of bikers pay tribute at National Memorial Arboretum

Riders travelled in large convoys as part of the annual Ride to the Wall event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Lichfield.

Organisers were fully prepared for a fall in numbers this year due to the day-long downpour of rain but around 7,000 motorcyclists took part in the spectacle, a similar figure to last year.

The riders, who have become known as 'Wallers', met at 11 set points around the Midlands on Saturday morning and rode in together for the service of remembrance. They included bikers from across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and even Belgium.

Andrew Baud, of the Royal British Legion, which runs the Arboretum, said: "We were delighted with the turn-out, given the wet weather. The attendance overall, including pillion passengers and other members of the public, was around 15,000."

The Ride To The Wall, now in its ninth year, is the only event of its kind in the country and helps to raise funds for the Arboretum. Last year £107,000 was raised, the first time the annual collection reached six figures, and it is hoped to realise a similar amount this year.

Entertainment was provided by The Queen's Band with parachute and piper demonstrations and a display by RAF Squirrel Fly Past. This year's service of remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Bastion Wall.

The number of riders who registered in advance was up 25 per cent on 2015 but fewer registered on the day, said organisers. The event has raised more than £500,000 in the past eight years.

Arboretum chiefs posted a message of gratitude on the centre's Facebook page, saying: "Many thanks to the thousands of people who braved the weather and stayed on for today's service of remembrance as part of Ride to the Wall.

"The money raised from the Ride pays for our essential infrastructure and maintenance, and ensures that the Arboretum remains free to enter. We look forward to seeing all of the Wallers again in 2017."

Ride To The Wall is the only event of its kind in the country that gives motorcyclists the chance to show their support to servicemen and women with a dedicated service of remembrance.

The event's founder Martin Dickinson said: "Since it started in 2008, it's just gone from strength to strength. Unfortunately this year the weather was rather inclement but it certainly didn't deter the crowds, and the cheque we present on each Armed Forces Day gets bigger and bigger."

Caroline Farrant, one of hundreds of volunteers who make Ride to the Wall possible, has only missed one of the events. She said: "It's a special occasion. We just love getting all the riders here safely."

Mr Baud reported that the number of people supporting the ride had grown considerably since its launch.

"There are a couple of bridges over the A38, particularly the one between Fradley and Alrewas, which have become very popular as places to watch and cheer on the riders," he said.

"The highlight for me was seeing the number of people who attended given the downpour, and who stayed for the service in the afternoon."

People also showed their support on Facebook.

Julie Smith, of Cheshire, wrote: "Well done to all the organisers, fantastic day, shame it rained but it was still great - all the time you put into this is much appreciated - lovely team spirit as always."