BIG-HEARTED bikers put some smiles on the faces of poorly children staying in Basingstoke hospital over Christmas – braving the wind and rain to deliver them some extra presents.

Youngsters staying at the hospital, in Aldermaston Road, received more than 40 presents that were delivered by the RAF Odiham Motorcycle Club.

Five members of the group set off from the north Hampshire airbase to deliver the gifts in time for Christmas.

This is the second year the bikers have donated presents to children at the hospital and club secretary Tony Hague, an engineer at RAF Odiham, said they hoped to continue the tradition for many years to come.

He said: “We start collecting presents, including travel games, craft sets, toys and stationary, a couple of months in advance and I wrap them in Christmas paper. We think it is a nice thing to do.”

Tony made the journey to the hospital, in Aldermaston Road, along with members Doug Fowler, officer-in-charge of the club, John Blain, Damian Scott and chair of the group Simon O’Brian, who wore a Santa hat to deliver the gifts.

The club, which holds track days at RAF Odiham, is made up of about 300 people, who are either personnel from the base or civilians.