MORE than 300 bikers took to the region’s roads last weekend to raise money for a Help for Heroes recovery centre.

Riders aged from 17 to 77 paid a fee to take part in the 130-mile round trip, resulting in an £800 donation to the charity running Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison.

After congregating in Westerhope, near Newcastle, they headed south to a refreshment stop at Stainton army barracks, before continuing to Phoenix House.

It was the third year that members of the Newcastle-based Bad-Landers group visited Phoenix House to deliver a donation.

In addition, the visitors made further donations on site and bought merchandise, increasing their support by around £200.

The event was organised Tony Laker who, as Commandant of Cleveland Army Cadet Force, said Help for Heroes was an obvious choice to be one of the group’s favoured charities.

“A lot of bikers are ex-military and really appreciate the need for support for our blokes who have suffered while serving their country,” he said.

Mark Whatley, administration manager at Phoenix House, said staff had been delighted to welcome back the Bad-Landers and thanked them for their on-going support.