THREE thousand scooter enthusiasts from across the country gathered to take toys and chocolate eggs to sick children on the annual Ginger's Easter Egg run.

Riders travelled from as far afield as Scotland, Ireland, Dorset and Sunderland on Sunday for one the world's biggest ever gatherings of scooters.

The idea was dreamt up by organiser Kevin "Ginger" Lawton, who wanted to help change people's opinions and raise the profile of scooter riders.

Mr Lawton decided on a mass journey to the children's hospital.

From the few dozen scooter riders who gathered for the first run in 1986, the event has got bigger every year, with 3,000 riders now turning up.

This year's egg run, the 19th since it started, attracted thousands of Lambretta and Vespa scooters of all colours, shapes and sizes to make a difference for sick children at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

Proud owners had customised their scooters and many sported gleaming chromework, multiple wing mirrors and lavish paintwork.

The two mile-long convoy had a full police escort from Lowton Civic Hall and rode through Leigh, Atherton, Little Hulton, Walkden and Swinton.

Caroline Lawton, another organiser and a member of Bolton Spartans scooter club, said: "It's nice to see all our hard work in organising the event come to fruition.

"It takes us a year to put this event together, it's such hard work."