SCOOTER riders formed a massive convoy through the streets of Journaland on their way to brighten the lives of hospitalised youngsters.

And ecstatic organiser Kevin "Ginger" Lawton hailed Saturday's Ginger's Easter Egg run as "the best yet" as 1,300 riders ferried goodies from Lowton to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The streets of Leigh came to a standstill as the huge procession of scooters, complete with police escort, passed through on their way to deliver Easter eggs and toys to the Pendlebury children's hospital.

Now in its 15th year the run has gone from strength-to-strength with scooter enthusiasts travelling from as far away as Italy and Germany to join the fun.

The idea was dreamt up by 'Ginger' during the days when the average scooter rider was seen as just a thug in boots and jeans. Having been a member of the Bolton Spartans Scooter Club since the 70s he wanted to raise the profile of riders and change people's opinions as well as doing something more adventurous than a bed push for charity.

After much deliberation 'Ginger', of Railway Street in Atherton, decided on a mass journey to the children's hospital to deliver eggs and toys to sick children -- and Ginger's Easter Egg Run was born.

Since the first chaotic event in 1987, involving 150 riders and no form of escort, the run has developed into a huge event attracting hundreds of riders and amazing thousands of bewildered on-lookers.

This year's run set off from Lowton Civic Hall at midday and made its way at a steady 20mph through Leigh, Atherton, Bolton, onto the A6 and through Little Hulton, Walkden and Swinton before arriving an hour and a half later to a warm reception at Pendlebury.

Ginger, aged 48, said: "This was going to be my last ride, but so many people have said I can't stop and after the success of this year's run I'll definitely be back next year. The whole ride was superb -- the weather was beautiful, the police were excellent and so many riders took part -- it went off to a tee."

The procession was mainly made of Lambrettas and Vespas and included some vintage scooters and motorbikes. Ginger even had a first time rider as a passenger -- his 63-year-old mother-in-law, Jean Reed.

"She had never been on a bike before and insisted on wearing a skirt with leggings underneath. She absolutely loved it. My wife Caroline, and my children also took part so it was a real family affair.

"It was a fantastic weekend and I want to thank everyone who took part as well as everyone who supported us in donating eggs and toys for the children. I would like to say a special thanks to the Railway Hotel in Atherton, where the Bolton Spartans meet, for their support and for supplying fencing for the car park on the day."

The run is already looking to the future, with next year's run planned for the first weekend in April and the hall booked for another five years.

Ginger explained: "We always hold it two weeks before Easter as that's just before the start of the season, so it gives riders the opportunity to try out their bikes."