Bikers ride out to support forces

More than 6,000 bikers took part in the annual Ride to the Wall event in Alrewas, Staffordshire, which included a dedicated service of remembrance on Saturday.

There were 11 designated starting points including Wolseley Bridge, between Rugeley and Stafford, for the seventh organised pilgrimage.

It is the only event of its kind in the country that provides motorcyclists with an opportunity to show their support to servicemen and women.

It also raises funds for the National Memorial Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, and provides a permanent home to the striking Armed Forces Memorial.

There were pipers, the Military Wives Choir who performed on the steps of the Armed Forces Memorial, wreath laying and addresses from leading members of the Ride to Wall during the event.

Susan Starkey, aged 64, from Burntwood, was one of almost 200 riders who travelled from the Wolseley Bridge point to the service.

"It is respect for the armed forces and all it stands for," she said. "All my family have served abroad, family members have served in Afghanistan.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the place, everybody was crying, it is so, so emotional. You have got to stand there in the crowd to appreciate it."

Despite the rain, riders attended from UK and Europe as individuals or as part of the groups.

The walls of the armed forces memorial are engraved with the names of more than 16,000 service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War.

Ride to the Wall has raised over £218,000 to support the upkeep of the National Memorial Arboretum.