THOUSANDS of bikers roared through Wootton Bassett once again on Sunday as the Ride of Respect returned to the home of repatriation.

After a three-year hiatus from the town, bikers from around the country spread some cheer across the High Street as residents waved them through in respect of fallen and injured servicemen.

Departing from their base at Hullavington, bikes from Harleys to Hondas, decorated with flags or fancy dress, came in waves through the High Street to Wootton Bassett Academy.

While recent conflicts have now been wound down, the effects on all involved are still resonant.

Christine Skidmore, a retired nurse from Swindon, had come especially to watch the ride.

"It is absolutely wonderful, and very emotional," she said. "It's certainly a worthy cause.

"I have got a son in the Navy, and he has been out to the Gulf, as he has been serving for around 30 years. It is good to keep these events going, because those soldiers and servicemen are still suffering their injuries, so it hasn't gone away for them. We should never forget."

The bikers were proud to play their part, many ex-servicemen themselves.

Stuart McCormick had travelled down from Liverpool to form part of the first cohort.

"I take part every time, because I am ex-forces," he said. "I spent 23 years in the regular TA, and served in Germany. I think they need us as much as we need them, and at events like this we get to see the people we haven't seen all year, so it's a great get-together.

Alan Chumley, 62, of Bournemouth, was part of the second wave of riders, and has been a biker since he was 16.

"It is a show of solidarity," he said. "I have got friends in the forces, and obviously relatives in the past. My son lost his best friend in the Gulf War, so it is something that has affected so many people, and the more recent situations have had a big effect on the country as a whole.

"It is great to see all the smiling faces, and it brings some fun and humour to a topic where otherwise there would be none. It is a great turnout, and hopefully it will raise a bit of money."

Tony and Maggie Mallard laid out their Union Jacks on the front lawn to welcome the passing bikers.

"They come from all over the country to do this, so we like to give them a good welcome," said Mrs Mallard.

"Whenever they come through we always come out to see them, as with most of the town.

"Everyone supports it, and we should never forget, so this helps us do our bit."

The day was extra special day for Jody Chadbourne and Jason Cross, who took part in the ride as part of their honeymoon having travelled from Luton, Bedfordshire, to get married in Chippenham the previous day.

Coach driver Mr Cross, 43, said marrying his 27-year-old Miss Chadbourne was 'fantastic' and he wouldn't change it for the world.

He said: "It was like Saturday through to when I got home on Sunday night was on big mass wedding because everyone who turned up on their bikes for the wedding were on the ride too.

"People thought it was completely unusual and one of a kind because nobody has ever done it before but they said now they think it will catch on.

"Everything went according to plan and I couldn't fault anything."