WHEN a group of women took part in a charity event they were given roaring support, in the form of more than 20 top-of-the-range motorbikes.

More than 20 bikers from the New Forest Harley Owners Group and Ladies of Harley dressed in leathers and tutus and decked their bikes with pink ribbons when they accompanied 18 of their members to Race for Life on Southampton Common.

Those participating in the 5km race hopped on the back of Harley-Davidsons before changing out of their leathers and into their pink T-shirts and running shoes.

They joined 6,000 women taking part in the event while the men and women who did not take part took their bikes to Loomies Cafe in West Meon before returning to pick up the rest of the group.

Nicola Scammell, from Hedge End, and Mandy Williams, from Chichester, got the Harley Owners together for the race.

Nicola, who works at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, became involved in the group through her husband, Adey, 44, two-and-a-half years ago.

The 45-year-old mum said: “We wanted to support a local charity event and arrived this way so the boys could get involved as well because they do such good work for charity.”

The group raised more than £1,500 for Cancer Research.

The New Forest Harley Owners group attracts members from between Bournemouth and Chichester.