SICK youngsters will enjoy a special, speedy delivery of Easter treats this weekend.

A convoy of around 3,000 scooter riders will take part in the annual Ginger's Easter Egg Run to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, at Pendlebury, where they will hand-out thousands of Easter eggs and toys to patients.

The team of riders will leave Lowton Civic Hall, at noon, on Saturday, and travel through Atherton and Leigh in what is thought to be the largest event of its kind in the world.

Organiser, Kevin Ginger' Lawton, of Railway Street, Atherton, attracted around 200 scooter enthusiasts in his first Easter Egg Run, in 1987. This year will mark the 21st hospital convoy and Mr Lawton says that riders have gathered around 6,000 easter eggs to load-up for the Coming of Age' rally.

The 52-year-old stalwart of Bolton Spartans scooter club said: "We're looking forward to this year's event. It's the longest-running of its kind that we know of and we're very proud of its longevity.

"We have fantastic support from fellow riders and it's so worthwhile when we see the smiles on the children's faces. Those who are well enough come out, jumping up and down, to meet us." Mr Lawton, a truck driver for haulage firm, Eddie Stobart, has organised the event with his wife, Caroline.They are expecting riders from as far-a-field as Belgium, Ireland and Scotland to take part this year. Following the hospital visit, enthusiasts will enjoy a disco and scooter show at Lowton Civic Hall.

Anyone who is interested in taking part can turn up on the day. For details, contact Ginger on 01942 635803.