BIKER NEWS: Thousands of bikers take part in 26th Pet Food Cavalcade for needy animals

BN- THOUSANDS of bikers lined the streets for an annual charity event which supports animals in need.

The 26th Great Potteries Pet Food Cavalcade took place on Sunday.

It saw motorcycles ride a one-and-half hour route around the Potteries in aid of local animal chairities.

Passersby donated bags of pet food and blankets as motorbikes made their way through the city.




Among the riders was 19-year-old Laura Jones, of Bentilee.

She said: "I've taken part in the event in the past, but I used to be a passenger on my dad's bike.

"Now I've got my own bike I wanted to take part again this year and make my debut as a single rider. It's great fun and it's a good chance to look at all the bikes.

"There seems to be more and more riders every year."

Forty five-year-old Kathy Stark, aged 45, of Smallthorne, took part for the first time this year.

She said: "It's something I've always wanted to do. I know a lot of people who've done it before and they say it's always a good laugh.

"I missed out last year because I was away, but I'm glad I've taken part this time.

"It's for a fantastic cause and it's great to see just how many people showed their support."

The Pet Food Cavalcade was started in 1990 by lifelong motorcyclist and animal lover Sid Rogers, from Trentham.

The first year attracted 225 bikers but soon gained momentum with figures reaching 630 by 1993.

Now as many as 3,000 bikers from as far away as London, Scotland and Wales attend the event which in the past, has supported charities including Cats Protection, the RSPCA and The City Dog's Home.

This year's event saw riders set off from Vale Park, in Burslem, at 12pm, for the 20-mile route.

They rode into Milton, Bucknall and Longton and headed into Stoke and Newcastle before returning to the ground via Wolstanton.

Bikers then enjoyed an afternoon of live entertainment which included music from rock and blues band Neverate.

The procession was led out by Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor, Jean Bowers, in the ceremonial limousine.

Twenty seven-year-old Nat Walls, from Stoke, said: "I got my cat, Nancy, from Iris's Cats in Need and they were really good with me, so this is my way of giving something back to them. It's a great cause.

"Not only that but it's a really good day with loads of people who just like the same interests."

Kevin Middleton, aged 32, also from Stoke, added: "I'm from a family of bikers so the pet run is something I've been involved with for about nine years.

"I enjoy it because it's a nice thing to take part in and it's all for a worthy cause."

Fifteen-year-old Samantha Mancell, of Sneyd Green, donned a bunny rabbit fancy dress outfit for the event. She said: "I've been coming with my dad for a few years now and I really enjoy it. It's nice to see people giving donations as we all ride past."

MORE: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Thousands-bikers-26th-Pet-Food-Cavalcade-needy/story-27833725-detail/story.html