On Sunday December 3 many will be able to see the fantastic spectacle that is the annual Reading Toy Run.

A staple in the town’s Christmas calendar for over 38 years, the long-running charity ride attracts motorcyclists from across the Thame’s Valley and beyond.

Participants and their bikes will start gathering at midday at the meeting spot Wood, RG2 9FW, and will set off around 2 pm.

There is expected to be a turnout of over a thousand bikers this year.  In past years a substantial number have dressed up in Santa costumes and some have even strapped Christmas trees to their bikes.

A spokesperson for Reading Toy Run Mr Sean Stillman said that they have been working with the charity Bernanos for a long time.  

He said: “Each participant brings a toy for a young person which is then driven to the Barnardos’ High Close school in Wokingham.

“One of the reasons we work with Barnardos is that they are a big organisation and have loads of projects running all over the place.

“They have the logistics to deal with thousands of toys and can also help other charities and social services in the Thames Valley area.”

Mr Stillman said that the run boasts a great atmosphere and there have been a lot of firm friendships that have come out of it.

“I’ve been biking all my life,” he said. “This is very significant in the biking calendar.”