'Record' 1,200 bikers deliver Easter eggs to kids

A record-breaking number of bikers delivered chocolate eggs to children in hospitals on Easter Sunday, organisers say.

This year's Durham Easter Egg Run saw more than 1,200 bikers travel to hospitals in Durham and Darlington, delivering Easter gifts and raising money for charity.

One of the organisers, Tony Hudspith, 51, from Hartlepool, said it was an "epic spectacle" and participants were "overwhelmed by the size of it".

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDNFT) said it was "incredibly grateful" to every rider who took part and that the donated eggs were now being shared with children in wards, outpatient clinics and staff rooms.

The event has been in existence for over a decade and sees bikers deliver eggs to Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham.

It is the first time the annual ride had seen more than 1,000 riders take part.

CDDNFT charity manager Rich Jones said this year's run was "truly moving".

"This much-loved Easter Egg Ride tradition reminds us of the power of kindness and the incredible support from our local communities."

Some of the bikers rode in fancy dress and hundreds of people lined the route to wave them past.

Mr Hudspith thanked volunteer marshals and Durham Police who "made such a difference" ensuring the event was safe.

He said he was "still buzzing" and called the spectacle a "wow moment".

The riders also raised more than £6,000 for Great North Air Ambulance, Rainbow Trust, Paws Up, Northumbria Blood Bikes, Miles for Men, Teenage Cancer Trust, Feeding Families and Stray Aid.

The team is already looking forward to organising a "bigger and better" event next year, Mr Huspith said.

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