An annual fundraiser in memory of Carlisle biker Noel Daley saw about 250 motorcyclists ride out.

The popular 37-year-old died nine years ago in a crash on the Eamont Bridge to Tirril road, near Penrith.

He had taken advantage of finishing work early on a beautiful April day to ride down to Pooley Bridge to see some friends.

But sadly he never made it.

In tribute, a group of friends decided to finish the journey to raise money and awareness of bikers on the road.

The first year about 80 bikers took part but it has grown each time, and on Saturday it was the biggest turnout yet.

The Noel Daley Memorial Motorcycle Rally is organised by Leviathan MCC. The bikers ride from Carlisle’s Club Rock to Pooley Bridge, stopping off at the place Noel died to lay a wreath in his memory.

Club secretary Dave Turner said Saturday’s ride was one of the best yet. “It went really well. I can’t believe how lucky we were with the weather. A few people said Noel was looking down on us,” he said.

“We haven’t got exact numbers yet but I’m being told between 240 and 260. So far we’ve raised £1,465 just from the run but we also have some items to put up for auction, so it will be more.”

The 60-mile round trip is now a popular social event.

Dave added: “Some people were friends of Noel and have been coming for years, others just like to come along and support it.

“We’ve had quite a few commenting on Facebook saying it was the first time they’ve ever done it. Now it’s massive.

“We will definitely keep doing it. I think it’s important and means a lot to his family. It’s a nice thing to do.”

The group wants drivers on the roads to ‘think bike’ as injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on the roads: motorcyclists are just one per cent of total road traffic, but account for 19 per cent of all road user deaths according to government statistics.

The ride prides itself in raising money for local groups. Last year’s run raised £3,000 for the Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club and bought basketball first team player Danny Ewin a new state-of-the-art wheelchair.