A sponsored motorcycle ride from Melksham to Southampton will raise money for a local charity.

The ride, from the Pig and Whistle in Forest Road to Lepe Country Park near Southampton and back, is being organised by biker Chris Rodger.

The challenge, on May 12, will take place in aid of BEAMS, a group which supports autistic children being taught at The Manor School in Melksham.

Motorbike riders can turn up on the day and pay a minimum of £5 to take part. The ride departs at 9.30am.

In the evening, the pub plans to put on a barbecue and some music for the riders.

Mr Rodger, 31, said: “It’s sort of a no-brainer for me.

“It’s raising money for a local charity and I get to enjoy myself on my bike.

“It’s a different direction and not many people have been that way before.

“I’ve done the run a couple of times myself; it’s a nice ride.

“We’ll ride down, have a cup of tea and a look around, and head back for the barbecue.”

Last year Mr Rodger organised a similar ride, which raised money for Nicole’s Goal, a campaign to fund treatment for disabled Bradford on Avon girl Nicole Chorley.

Mr Rodger, an electrician, now lives in Market Lavington, but still considers the Pig and Whistle his local.

He said: “We’re probably looking at 40 or 50 bikes taking part. Last year we had 46 bikes and we’ve spread the word early. Hopefully the weather will be good.

“It’s open to everyone, as long as they can keep up with the national speed limit.

“There are no motorways, so provisional licences are fine. All you have to do is turn up and pay a minimum £5 donation on the day.

“We want to raise just as much as we can, really. Last year, I think we did £736, which was really good, I thought.”

Mr Rodger said he hoped the rides would become regular events in aid of local causes.

“We’re hopefully going to do two rides a year and if anybody else wants us to ride for them, they can contact me,” he said.

For further info, call Mr Rodger on 07725 592359 or email him at chris-rodger81@ hotmail.com.

Anyone who would like to donate to the sponsorship funds can leave contributions at the Pig and Whistle.