MOTORISTS travelling across country over the weekend may have been a little surprised when they passed a group of motorcyclists including a Minion, Batman and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

The Coast to Coast challenge was taken on by members of the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group wore fancy dress costumes to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

They set off from Redcar and rode to Cumbria, collecting money along the route, before climbing back on their bikes and returning home.

Group founder Brian Laverick said: "On our travels we were met with great approval by the public who donated generously to our cause. There were a couple of minor breakdowns which provided some good banter later on at our overnight accommodation.

"At our hotel The Seacote at St Bees in Cumbria a wedding was taking place and once the bride caught sight of our riders insisted on having her photograph taken with us."

So far the event has raised almost £2,000, search www.justgiving.com for further details.