THOUSANDS of bikers revved up to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

More than 3,500 motorcyclists roared into Harwich for the 20th anniversary of the Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run and Fun day, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the life-saving charity.

Organisers hope once all the donations, sponsorship money and other income has been totted up the event will have raised about £40,000 - enough to fund 18 life-saving missions.

The bikers set off from Dunton, near Basildon, and made their way along the 60 -mile route to Harwich where there was a range of activities, stalls and entertainment for participants and spectators.

Emily Donnachie, events manager at Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, said: “Over the past 20 years this event has developed into a really special community day and one of our key fundraising events of the year thanks to the amazing support we receive from the bikers and the people of Harwich.

“It was great to see so many people out along the route and at the finish.”

The charity’s AW169 helicopter also paid a visit, landing on the foreshore next to Harwich Green.

Visitors were able to take a closer look at the aircraft, one of two operated by Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, and talk to crew members.