BIKERS are planning to honour the memory of soldiers killed in battle by taking part in a fundraising ride to the town which honours fallen heroes when they are returned to the UK.

Motorbike club 127 MCC, which meets weekly at 127 Diner on the A127 at Wickford, will ride to Wootton Bassett near RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, to raise money for Afghan Heroes charity.

There have been more than 100 repatriations passing through Wootton Bassett since April 2007 when runway repairs at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire meant fallen soldiers were flown into nearby RAF Lyneham.

Bartholomew Simpson, 36, and dozens of other members of the club are taking part in the pilgrimage to the town on Mother’s Day, March 14.

The charity was set up last September by a group of mothers who lost their sons in Afghanistan.

Mr Simpson, a biker for 20 years, said; “I first heard about the ride through Facebook. It was started by two girls in Wootton Bassett and they were originally expecting about 1,000 riders, but now it has grown to about 12,000.

“Most of the 97 members of 127 MCC are going.

“We’ve started raising money and the 127 Diner, which sponsors our club, are selling flags, wristbands and T-shirts to promote it and raise money.”

The ride will start from a point on the M4, but local riders will leave from the 127 Diner.

It will finish in the town, now famous for its residents coming out to show their respect when fallen soldiers are brought back to the UK.

Thousands of people now line the streets. Prince Charles visited to thank the town for its support.

Mr Simpson, of High Road, Laindon, said: “Each biker has to pre-register as we’ll be going on to RAF land, and we’re each paying £5 so we should raise thousands. It’s a fantastic charity and a good way of supporting our troops in Afghanistan.”

The club, set up nine months ago, meets at 9am on Sundays at the diner. Anyoine who wants to show their support and make a donation can pop into the diner on the Southend bound carriageway near Wickford.

To join the ride, visit www.afghanheroes.org.uk/bikersevent. Registration closes on Monday.