Organisers of an annual charity motorcycle ride were left cursing the bad bank holiday weather as their numbers were hit badly.

Usually hundreds of motorcyclists take part in the ride from the Orwell Crossing truck stop on the A14 near Ipswich.

However this year their numbers were down substantially – although those who did turn up enjoyed the day and the trip to the Old Queens Head pub at Aldham near Colchester.

The bikers used the trip to raise funds for a blood warmer for Ipswich Hospital’s emergency assessment unit.

Organiser Neil Harrison said the weather had been a major disappointment and had hit them hard.

He said: “Last year we had about 300 people taking part. This year we’ve got about 80 here – and that includes the stewards!

“It’s disappointing because we’re being looked after very well at the pub but you really can’t do anything about it when this kind of weather happens.

“It’s a real shame because if we’d had yesterday’s (Sunday) weather we’d have been fine. We haven’t had a run in weather like this for at least six years.”

The riders took a 58-mile journey through Suffolk and Essex to get to Aldham, starting by heading north as far as Snape before heading inland and down to their lunch venue.

“We were glad to get here,” said Mr Harrison at Aldham. At least we can look forward to next year – it cannot be as bad weather as this!”