More than 800 motorcyclists joined the Northumberland Easter “eggstravaganza” event and took a 60-mile ride across the county this Easter weekend.

The Blyth Valley Motorcycle Action Group’s Easter egg run gathered together 868 bike enthusiasts, who brought Easter eggs for children in local hospitals. The motorcyclists managed to collect between 1,200 and 1,300 eggs. The route sent the bikers on a trip from Ashington and through Widdrington, Amble, Alnwick, Stannington, Bedlington and Blyth. The finish line was in Seaton Delaval.

In addition, during the event £385 was raised to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service as well as the Blyth Valley Motorcycle Action Group.

Many motorcyclists have been transported by air, so the group likes to support the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said Anthony John Reay, chairman of the Blyth Valley Motorcycle Action Group. And contrary to public belief that bikers are troublemakers, events like this prove that in reality they can be sensible and careful, Reay added.

After the event about 600 eggs were given to children at the North Tyneside, the Freeman, Wansbeck and Blyth hospitals and those at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Another 320 eggs were given to children with learning difficulties in Northumberland.

The event offered entertainment for everyone. Kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, made instruments from recyclable materials and enjoyed face painting, storytelling and Easter bonnet making. More family entertainment was on offer at Trinity Square Gateshead, where children met the Easter bunny and animals at a small petting farm.