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More than 800 bikers take part in Chilly Willy charity ride

Heather Burton Two bikers lead a procession of motorcycles along a road. Other vehicles are visible in the line.Heather Burton
More than 800 riders took part in this year's ride

Hundreds of bikers braved the cold weather to raise thousands of pounds for a county's air ambulance.

The 10th annual Chilly Willy charity ride took place on Sunday, with participants making their way from Northampton to Bedford and back.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance said its lifesaving missions "would not be possible without support like this".

The event has now raised well over £30,000 in total.

Angie New Front of motorbike showing an orange teddy bear sitting on the wheelAngie New
Some of the bikers brought their mascots along for the ride
Angie New Bikers, some in leathers, standing in a car park with bikes in the backgroundAngie New
Bikers came from far and wide to take part

The initial total of money raised was £6,627 but this is expected to rise as more money comes in during the week.

Andy Simons Rider with character helmet showing a black face with white eyes and a red nose, pillion passenger with white helmet with two small eyesAndy Simons
Novelty helmets made an appearance in the line-up

Paul Nicholls, one of the organisers, described this year's ride as "the best yet" and confirmed the number of participants as 823.

Andy Simons Line of motorbikes passing a sign to CogenhoeAndy Simons
The route took the riders from the Waterside Cafe in Northampton, towards Bedford and back again

The air ambulance's community fundraising executive for Northamptonshire, Karen Hughes, said: "We would like to thank Paul, everyone involved and everyone who has taken part in the Chilly Willy ride out over the years.

"Without support like this, our lifesaving missions in Northamptonshire and further afield wouldn't be possible.

"We receive no government or National Lottery funding for our vital missions and rely entirely on donations from people within the local community to keep our charity saving lives."

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