Santas in saddle for 46th toy run

A convoy of motorcyclists has completed an annual toy run, collecting about 2,900 gifts to donate to under-privileged children in north Staffordshire.

Some of the hundreds of riders who took part were dressed as Santa Claus as they travelled the streets of Stoke-on-Trent, defying wet and windy weather conditions from Storm Bert.

The 46th toy run was organised by the charity Star Bikers which said it had seen a record number of donations.

The items were provided by residents along the route and at 102 drop-off points around the city.

The route was amended on Sunday morning to avoid Baddeley Green, where some surfaces were "under about a foot of water", according to the charity.

Despite the conditions, one of the organisers, Lisa Abbotts, said: "There was no doubt that the run would go on in some form.

"We got off lightly to only have to cut off one corner," she explained.

The rain did mean there were fewer riders than in previous years, but as donations remained high, Mrs Abbotts said the charity was "overwhelmed" by the support, noting the "massive difference" the gifts would make to families.

She added: "I can't explain the feeling you get when you see these people go past, they're giving up their Sunday morning and helping - it's wonderful."

The presents will be given out to youngsters over the next month, helping to make sure every child has a present on Christmas Day.

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