A CALL has been made for bikers from across the UK to join up for a mass charity rideout through Richmondshire in aid of troops serving in Afghanistan.

Organisers hope more than 12,500 bikers will join the Black Rat Charity Rideout on a 22 mile route which will start at Catterick Garrison and continue through Richmond, before dispersing on the A1.

The Black Rat Fund is the welfare fund and charity which supports 4th Mechanized Brigade - the Black Rats - who are based in Catterick Garrison, but currently in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The event will take place on September 19 to raise funds for the charity which supports soldiers and their families through financial and practical assistance, as well as community projects.

Riders will be asked for a £5 donation when they register to ride and, for an extra donation, will be given a Black Rats T-shirt to wear on the day.

In a message sent from Afghanistan, Brigadier Richard Felton, commander of the 4th Mechanized Brigade and the managing trustee of the Black Rat Fund, said: "This means so much to us for a number of reasons. First, just knowing so many people are willing to support us is so important to the morale of my troops. "Second, all the funds made will be going to providing compassionate and welfare support which will improve my soldiers' lives. It's tragic that so many have been injured and killed and every bit of help we can give them on our return means so much."

Places are limited but riders can register by going to www.blackratfund.org .