A first-time motorcycle ride out raised nearly £1,000 for charity on Sunday.

And the debut run was such a hit that organisers are already planning for next year.

Around 200 bikers made their way from Accrington to Preston in support of army charities Help For Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The bikes set off from the Hope and Anchor pub on Whalley Road at 12pm, riding over to Kimberley Barracks in Preston.

Organiser Dave Hudson said: "It went brilliantly, we raised over £900 and we’re still collecting. We had around 200 bikers turn up and about 120 bikes."

Ex-soldier Dave, 41, thanked everyone who attended and helped out with the inaugural event.

He said: "I’d like to thank everybody who turned up, as well as the Abbey public house, the Hope and Anchor, the Golden Cross in Oswaldtwistle, Youle’s motorcycles in Blackburn and Netty’s Butty Van in Accrington market. They’ve had the charity boxes out for us and we’re very grateful for all the help they’ve given us.

"All those bikers made for quite an impressive sight. I was happy so many people turned out.

"A lot of people were donating as they walked past. It has gone really well."

And the day was such a success there are already plans in the pipeline to make it an annual event.

Dave said: "We’re already planning for next year, we’d like to make it a big fun day out for all the family. We’re hoping it can double in size, we’ve got 12 months to organise it now so we’ll see how things go."

Dave served in Germany, Northern Ireland and the UK during his time in the army. He organised the rideout with fellow ex-soldier Mick Turner.