Thousands of leather clad bike enthusiasts and traders gathered in Calne town centre for the largest free motorcycle meet in Europe.

The annual event, which saw thousands of bikers arriving throughout Saturday morning to display their bikes and take part in the ride out, has been called the biggest yet by organisers.

Greg Widger, Chairman of the Calne Bike Meet Committee, said: "It went really well. We were extremely busy, there were lots and lots of bikes and everyone seemed really chilled and happy.

"I know one thing for sure and that is that it was the biggest one we have ever had. We were actually running out of places to park motorbikes by about lunch time!"

This year, the committee decided to support the National Association of Bikers with a Disability, Julia's House, Calne Youth Trust and the Royal British Legion, with money raised from the event being distributed among the four charities.

In a different act of kindness, and something which Mr Widger calls his highlight of the event, a terminally ill man wrote a cheque to the NABD for £500 to help those with disabilities get back on the road.

Mr Widger said: "The NABD had a range of specially adapted handle bars that enabled people to ride no matter what disabilities they have and there was a chap on a mobility scooter looking at them.

"They got chatting and he said that he was hoping to get his bike back on the road but as he was getting it ready for a MOT, he started to feel ill again and he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They asked him if there was anything they could do to help and he pulled out his cheque book, handed them a cheque for £500 and said cash this.

"The guys on the stall were in bits and things like that really restore your faith in humanity."

From the displays in the morning, right through to the ride out and music in the evening, the Calne Bike Meet requires strict organisation.

"Thank you from us to the Unity Support Riders for marshalling the ride out," Mr Widger said: "and a massive thank you to the people of Calne for being so understanding and help us to put on the event and understanding that we take over the town for one day."