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These bikers are born to be kind!
BIKERS from around the region roared into South Tyneside to pay respect to war heroes past and present.
Organised by the North East England-based Badlanders Motorcycle Club, a cavalcade of Harley Davidsons made their way to South Shields coastline to celebrate Armed Forces Day on Sunday.
The bikers set up camp in Bents Park for the day to host an event to raise thousands of pounds for the Support Our Soldiers and Help Our Heroes charities.
Organiser Joe Fairrie, from the Badlanders Motorcycle Club, said the event was a chance for bikers to show their support for the thousands of servicemen and women who have fought on the front line in battle zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is the second year running the bikers have hosted the event.
Mr Fairrie said: "It was a great day for everyone involved, and we managed to raise some money for the charities.
"We wanted to show how much bikers support our Armed Forces and give us an opportunity to pay respect to the amazing work they do.
"These heroes are fighting for our freedom, and this is why we are doing this.
"There have been more than 300 soldiers who have died since 2001, and more than 3,000 injured. This event is the least we can do to say thank you."
This year more than 25 separate motorcycle clubs from across the region, stretching down as far as North Yorkshire, attended the event.
He added: "Last year's event was a great success, and we had to do this again.
"Apart from the charity work, it was a great fun day out for the family."
The event featured a number of different stalls in the park, including a Second World War tent with real equipment and vehicles for the public to view.
One group who attended the event is the All Arms Veterans' Motorcycle Club. It has 60 members around the country, all of which are former members of the Army, Navy and RAF.
Last year, the former Government changed the name from Veterans' Day to Armed Forces Day to raise awareness and appreciation for those on active duty.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
