Last updated at 16:58, Monday, 29 October 2012

THE sound of motorbike engines and horns filled the air in Ulverston this weekend as riders did their bit for charity.

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Almost 50 bikes gathered outside the Coronation Hall for the start of the Great Cumbrian Poppy Ride on Saturday, marking the launch of this year’s national Poppy Appeal.

The ride is in its third year and this time around toured the county, finishing in Bowness yesterday afternoon.

Ex-forces submariner Colin “Smudge” Smith has taken part all three years, saying he is keen to support a cause so close to his heart.

Mr Smith, from Workington, added: “There is a local interest for me because my submarine was built in Barrow.”

He said he was proud to support the Royal British Legion because it does such good work for members of the armed forces, adding that he knew of several people it had helped.

This year, the Poppy Appeal is hoping to raise £42m nationally for the Royal British Legion.

The charity helps serving and former armed service personnel and their families, spending around £1.7m a week in the UK.

Terry Wilson, Cumbrian representative of the British Legion Riders Branch, said they were hoping to build upon the success of previous years.

Mr Wilson, from Millom, added: “We did very well the first year when we had the Golden Poppy Ride.

“We are taking donations and raising the profile of the Poppy Appeal.”

Also present as the riders set off was the mother of fallen soldier Chris Kershaw, who said she was fully behind their efforts.

Mr Kershaw, from Bradford, was one of six soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in March.

Mum Monica Kershaw, from Brampton, said: “It is a brilliant thing to do. My lad was only 19 and they have been here for me and supported me all the way through.

“I think they need the support – they are helping people who have lost their love ones.”

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock was also at the event, along with Ulverston mayor Brenda Marr.

Mr Woodcock told the riders: “I think it is brilliant what you do. You have been able to raise the profile of the remembrance season.”

First published at 16:33, Monday, 29 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk