A GROUP of bikers helped bring some festive cheer to youngsters at Basingstoke hospital with a donation of more than 200 toys.

About 40 people, including bikers from the Hampshire Riders' Club and their friends and family members, took part in a Christmas "toy run" from Sutton Scotney to the hospital last Sunday.

The group collected the haul, which included puzzles, games and soft toys, in the run up to Christmas, and also handed over a £160 donation to the children's ward.

It is the second time the group has arranged a toy run.

On the last occasion, the group travelled to Southampton General Hospital, but members decided to travel to Basingstoke this year for a very personal reason.

One of the motorcyclists - Mark Hughes, 32, who currently lives in Pond Close, Overton - spent more than seven months in Basingstoke hospital after he lost his leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident in 2003.

Chris Stockwell, who lives in Elmwood Way, Basingstoke, organised the event.

The AWE Aldermaston employee explained that the company chipped in with £100, and said: "It has gone beyond what we expected, and the money will pay for other toys that the hospital wants, but which we don't have."

Vanessa Blunden, a senior play specialist at the hospital, said: "It is a very generous donation and will make a huge difference.

"A lot of the toys will replace broken ones - things like jigsaw puzzles with pieces missing.

"Most will be used on the ward, and some will be given to children who are on the ward on Christmas Day."