HUNDREDS of motorcyclists will gather to pay tribute to military personnel and families.

The Ride of Respect 2019 will start at 10.30am on Sunday in Calne.

Bikers will then travel through Lyneham and Royal Wootton Bassett before heading to Carterton.

More than 500 riders are expected to attend the annual event.

Organiser Amanda Wood-Woolley said: “It happens every year and started nine years ago.

“It’s important for us to remember the fallen.

"Not only the one in the UK, all of them. And it’s important to think about the future ones.

“It is our way to thank the soldiers who died in Afghanistan.”

She added: “Next year we are celebrating our 10th anniversary and we hope to organise a bigger event and gather even more people.”

The motorcyclists will be welcomed at the MOD Lyneham by senior officer Major Dave Barbieri, of the REME Arms School.

Communications manager Julian Richards said: “There will also be a brief Remembrance service and prayers led by the Garrison Padre Keith Barry.

“All the engines will stop running and it’ll be very quiet to honour the soldiers.”

Last year, this event raised £5,400 for the charity Who Dare Cares, which supports people from all walks of life who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

This year’s Ride of Respect is raising money for the Forgotten Veterans UK Charity and its Basha Retreat Project, aiming to support veterans.