CLACTON was invaded by Mods again as 500 scooters roared into the resort for a charity ride-out on Sunday.

Hundreds of machines set off from Chelmsford for the annual spectacular, heading up the A12 before descending on the town.

The sun glistened off chrome and mirrors as enthusiasts from all over the region proudly showed off their scooters.

The event is organised by Chelmsford Scooter Club and raises hundreds of pounds each year for the Bobby Moore Fund for bowel cancer research.

A street collection by Clacton's Mods and Casuals and Scooter Collective clubs raised more than £550.

Derek Ansell, of the Mods and Casuals, said: "It was absolutely brilliant. It's been going for quite a number of years.

"It tailed off a bit but I got together with Vespa Club of Britain president Robin Quartermaine and we resurrected it four years ago."

Derek wore a parka coat belonging to late friend Sax Tolson, who died of cancer.

"I wore it in his honour on Sunday," he said.

"We have lost quite a few scooter friends who have succumbed to that horrible disease, and a lot of Chelmsford Scooter Club are West Ham fans so it was appropriate that we chose the Bobby Moore Fund.

"The more money we can put into fighting it, the more chance we have."

The sight of hundreds of scooters is always popular with fans in Clacton and mod band The Start played live at Tom Peppers.

Derek said: "We got a brilliant reception – everyone was taking photos.

"I was here in 1964 when it was the mods and rockers and it brings it all back.

"People love it and everyone is smiling – it feels like being 18 again.

"The public come out and put their hands in their pockets. We couldn't do it without them and will definitely be back next year."