MANY children's faces will be lit up on Christmas Day thanks to the generosity of more than 80 bikers.For the seventh year running, members of the Ipswich-based motorcycling club Black Shuck MCC – together with fellow bikers from as far afield as Kent – donated toys for disadvantaged children.

MANY children's faces will be lit up on Christmas Day thanks to the generosity of more than 80 bikers.

For the seventh year running, members of the Ipswich-based motorcycling club Black Shuck MCC – together with fellow bikers from as far afield as Kent – donated toys for disadvantaged children.

The bikers – on more than 60 motorcycles – bought around a hundred toys and games from Toys 'R' Us, Ipswich on Saturday .

After a 35-mile toy run, the bikers then deposited the gifts under a Christmas tree at the Stone Lodge Family Centre in Stone Lodge Lane West, Ipswich.

The presents will be given to families who use the centre, to be given to their children on Christmas Day.

Black Shuck MCC also raised money for the centre at a fundraising night at the Lion's Head in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich on Sunday.

Merv Barker, president of Black Shuck MCC, said: "We met at Toys 'R' Us. Each one of us bought toys and games.

"Two of our members used to attend the centre and the centre always needs toys for disadvantaged children so we decided to take this up.

"It has been absolutely excellent – and the children will get a lot more than they would normally."

The Suffolk County Council family centre helps support families – both in their own homes and at the Stone Lodge Lane West premises.

Assistant manager Sue Canfer said: "We are overwhelmed. It is just getting bigger and bigger each year.

"We give the presents to the parents so they can wrap them up. It is to help the parents give something extra to their children."

Assistant manager Tracey Baldrey added: "We are not sure about what we will do with the money. It could be used to get something for the centre or even for a trip out for some of the families – which is something a lot of the families don't get to do."

Leader of Suffolk County Council Bryony Rudkin was only too pleased with the efforts of the bikers.

She said: "They are really investing in the community and I would like to thank every one.

"It is great to see the bikers' spirit and their commitment – they are helping whole families and that is great."

Black Shuck MCC meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Lion's Head in Cauldwell Hall Road – with a special Anoraks and Trainspotters New Year's Party on January 17. All are welcome.