The Salvation Army is saying a big ‘thank you' to hundreds of Honda Goldwing, Scooter, quad bike, trike and CBR 600 riders who turned out in force to support the annual Motorcycle Toy Run in Manchester.

Annual Motorcycle Toy Run event for needy children and families in Manchester

Major Mel Jones, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in the Central North Division, said he is delighted with the heart-warming response of more than 600 motorcyclists who joined this year's Salvation Army Motorcycle Toy Run.

This year, more than £3,000 was raised and scores of toys were donated. These will all go  towards helping put a smile on the faces of children and families across Manchester and local communities on Christmas Day.

Over the years, thousands of toys have been collected by the bikers as part of The Salvation Army's Motorbike Toy Run which has quickly established itself as a key date in the regional motorcyclist's calendar.

This year, the throng of motorcycles descended upon the Showcase Cinema car park in Hyde Road, Manchester for the start of a route which included the Mancunian Way, Chester Road and Barton Road, before finally arriving at the Trafford Shopping Centre.

Major Mel Jones said: "I'm always deeply touched by the hundreds of motorcyclists who take the time and effort to put on such a good demonstration of human kindness. It's a sad fact that many disadvantaged children and families will be waking up this Christmas morning with little or no presents at all. We know, that thanks to the generosity of the local bikers, that we will be able to make a difference this year and help put a smile back on some of those faces that would otherwise be without a gift this Christmas."

The Motorbike Toy Run is the Central North Division's prelude to The Salvation Army's national Christmas Present Appeal which takes place between 22 November and 18 December 2009.

Good quality new, unwrapped, toys for boys and girls can be dropped off at local Salvation Army churches and centres as well as participating Superdrug stores and other designated shops. More information can be found at the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent