BIKERS from the south west will converge on Swindon this weekend for a remembrance service before heading up the M4 to join others surrounding the capital with a giant poppy.

The brainchild of Julia Stevenson, who became known to many motorcyclists through the Ride of Respect to Royal Wootton Bassett, the Ring of Red is staged to pay respect to fallen servicemen and women of the past, present and future.

Thousands of bikers will meet at nine service stations on or near the M25, donning red teeshirts and joining up in a single ring all the way around the motorway.

In a statement the organisation said: “We must explain that this ride is not a protest. Instead it is a large family coming together to show respect to Her Majesty’s armed forces past and present as many of the bikers joining on these days have served or are currently serving.”

In Swindon bikers will meet at the National Self-build and Renovation centre off Great Western Way shortly before 11am on Sunday where they will take part in a short act of remembrance and two minutes silence, which is open to the public.

This year they will be raising money for Hounds for heroes, which provides specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women from the UK Armed Forces and emergency services.

Further details of this year’s rides can be seen online at  therideofrespect.co.uk and information about the work of Hounds for Heroes is at houndsforheroes.com