A 60-YEAR-OLD’S dream of taking at least one more ride on a noisy American ‘hog’ has been realised after colleagues surprised her with a gang of them.

Annie Crocker, who will be celebrating her birthday in three weeks, got an early present yesterday after she had an extended ride on a Harley-Davidson from the friendly chaps at Pinkertons Motorcycle Club.

The birthday gift comes two weeks before the club will leather up and make their annual ride to Great Western Hospital to donate toys to poorly children in the lead-up to Christmas.

During yesterday’s surprise excursion, Annie was given a birthday card and shot of whisky before she suited up in leathers and hopped on as a passenger.

She was then whisked away to Avebury, Marlborough, Chiseldon and back to Swindon on one of four Harleys before being dropped off at her workplace.

“It was exhilarating ,” said Annie, of Broad Town, near Wootton Bassett.

“I didn’t even realise what was going on when I was putting on the leathers.

“I don’t remember speaking about my Harley dreams – but I must have. It brought back some very old memories.”

Annie said she had not been on a motorcycle since the early ’70s when her first husband, whom she used to ride with, passed away.

She said: “I can remember when I was younger riding at 100mph on a dual carriageway near Devizes, it was so exhilarating – although we had no helmet and no heavy clothing in those days.”

Jane Carter, who works alongside Annie at Drove Veterinary Hospital, said: “This was great for Annie she loved it and hopefully it will give a great boost to the guys at Pinkertons.

“I reckon bikers get a bad reputation but they do such good work with their Christmas ride that we were happy to help.”

Motorcycle club members will meet at Swindon Rugby Club on Saturday, December 12, before setting off at noon. Anyone is welcome to join in.

Father Christmas will be leading the Ride-Out to the hospital, please bring a cash donation or an unwrapped gift, suitable for a child. New and slightly used toys can be handed into Drove vets at 252 Croft Road or visit www.pinkertons.co.uk.