More than 100 Harley Davidson riders from the Pinkerton Motorcycle Club and other groups as far away as Nottingham, arrived at the Great Western Hospital with a present each, ready to dish them out to the sickly youngsters on the childern’s ward.

The bikers, wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers, arrived at noon at the hospital escorted by police motorcyclists and they had managed to get together so many gifts that a van had to help deliver them all.

Road captain Jake Cannon said: "Bikers from all over the area have joined in, helping with the fundraising events as well as the ride. Mick and Jake have even come from Nottingham to join in and really got into the spirit of things by wearing antlers. It is miserable being in hospital so we want to do everything we can to cheer the kids up."

Claire Parks the senior hospital play specialist, said: "They have raised so much this year, we were able to give them a massive wish list. They have brought presents for the children as well as toys and equipment to be kept on the ward, including a computer, an Xbox and play station games."

Club secretary Mary Strickland said: "We were in the town centre last month and managed to coerce a lot of people into handing over their cash. Lots of local businesses have made big donations too.''

All 50 members of the club were involved in the fundraising. Patients from the hospital's children's ward said they were excited to see the bikers and all the presents.

Eight-year-old Gemma Howell, who is being treated for a bone disease, said: "They were all really friendly."

More than 120 bikers delivered the presents to the ambulance bay then rode a lap of honour around the hospital. They then sang carols in the foyer showing even more of their softer side.