BIKERS revved their engines and rode 60 miles to Harwich in aid of the air ambulance.

About 3,000 riders took part in the annual charity Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run on Sunday.

They travelled from Ford Dunton to Harwich, where they were greeted by heaving crowds at the Harwich Family Fun Day.

Alongside stalls there were games for families, a helicopter simulator, and live music from Lord Toffington.

The event also saw the first promotional outing of the charity’s newly-branded MD902 Explorer helicopter, which landed on the beach to allow the public to get up close and personal to their life-saving air ambulance and its crew.

Jen Wall, volunteer and events manager for the air ambulance, said: “Despite challenging weather, it was a brilliant turnout for the charity.

“This event has been running for eighteen years now, and the support continues to grow.

“Our relationship with the biker community is incredibly special, and it’s such a thrill to introduce new members of the community to this event every single year.”

Harwich mayor John Brown, said: “It was really good and it was brilliant to welcome the bikers into the town.

“We saw the new air ambulance too, which was special to see.

“It was an excellent day and it’s a great cause.”