Huge crowds cheered on a group of bikers who rode through the streets of Swindon with Santa to deliver gifts to children in hospital.

Swindon’s Christmas toy run, which is in its 32nd year, took place in the town on Saturday, and bikers could not believe the amount of support they received.

The event, which is organised by Pinkertons club and assisted by Swindon Bikers club, donates presents to children most in need this Christmas using a wish list given to them by the Great Western Hospital's children's ward.

Over the years the group has bought gifts such as games consoles, televisions and wheeled cabinets.

“We buy things that will stay in there all year. But we buy individual gifts as well. So, when we go up there at Christmas, all the children on the day get a gift," explained club secretary Mandy Evans.

According to Ms Evans, the best part of the project every year is seeing the smiling faces of the children when they receive their toys.

“It’s lovely, but it’s very emotional when you go up there. Some children are very poorly and then you find out that they’ve passed away, and it’s just heartbreaking,” she said.

“I have so much admiration for the nurses. I could not do that job because it would break me I think.

"I would just like to add thanks to the wonderful people of Swindon for their continued support especially when so many of them are struggling themselves."

Swindon Advertiser: Josh Maule was just one of the bikers setting off in style.Josh Maule was just one of the bikers setting off in style. (Image: Pinkertons Club)

Amy Norris is just one of the many adults who remembers receiving gifts from the Christmas toy run when she was a child, and said the memory has shaped her for life.

“I was admitted to the Great Western Hospital in December 1999 and I still remember them bringing round toys for us all. I loved it,” she told the Adver.

This year, the group of festive bikers met at the rugby club at 11am before setting off at noon to ride along Greenbridge Road, Dorcan Way, Covingham Drive, Cricklade Road and over the Magic Roundabout before ending at the Great Western Hospital.

The route was designed to be ‘L plate friendly’ and bikers were accompanied by a police motorcycle escort to block all major junctions and roundabouts, as well as crowds of supporters cheering them on.

The event was free for the public to attend but the club collected donations along the way to go towards future gifts for the children at the Great Western Hospital.