MORE than 500 motorcycles filled the runway at MoD Lyneham yesterday.

Bikers drove past military vehicles at the base during their Ride of Respect, which pays tribute to military personnel and families.

They’d travelled from Calne and stopped at the former RAF base for a short service of remembrance.

The din of dozens of revved engines ceased as the bikers gathered round Major David Barbieri.

He said: “It is wonderful to see so many of you gathered here on this iconic runway, from where hundreds of fallen service men and women were repatriated.

"As a motorcyclist myself, I was delighted to be asked to represent the Commandant at this important event, to pay respect to our fallen brothers and sisters from all three services.

"PTSD, if not treated properly and with compassion, can have tragic consequences, and I thank every one of you for your support and commitment to helping those who are suffering."

Reverend Kevin Barry then began his service.

He said: “Many of us have lost friends who came back through here.

“Where we are standing is not just a runway, it is hallowed ground for servicemen, veterans, their families and everyone who supports them.

“We wish you Godspeed as you continue the rest of your route.”

The service concluded with prayers and a minute’s silence. All was quiet but for the tweeting of skylarks and the rustling of grass blown by the breeze.

Julia Stephenson, founder of the Ride of Respect charity, was moved to tears by the service.

She said: “I was here for the repatriations at Lyneham from 2010 so this place is very special to me and so many other people.

“We are extremely grateful and privileged to be here, this means everything to us.

“Bikers tend to get a bad reputation sometimes but this is what they’re all about - getting together for charitable events like this.”

The Ride of Respect raises money for a different small military charity each year with a cross-county drive.

After leaving MoD Lyneham, the bikers travelled through Royal Wootton Bassett and journeyed to RAF Brize Norton, where the route ended opposite the base’s repatriation gates.

The annual event has raised more than half a million pounds for good causes since it began a decade ago.

Thi year’s chosen charity is Who Dares Cares, which helps people with PTSD.

People came from far and wide to join in and show their support.

Stephen Mulvaney from Kent works for the Royal British Legion.

He said: “We just like to pay our respects, it’s the least we could do for them.

"This is the sixth year I’ve taken part, but others have done a lot more than that.

“Events like this are great because most of the people here don’t know each other and it’s brought them together.”