A convoy of motorcycling Santas wound their way into Bradford from the North East to put a smile on sick children’s faces for Christmas.

Some 15 Father Christmases arrived at the Gumption Centre, in Little Horton Lane, to present cheques to the Little Heroes Cancer Trust.

The sponsored stunt was staged to raise funds for the Bradford-based charity’s Christmas Toy Drive. Colin Nesbitt, who set up the organisation in January, is collecting new donated toys to hand out to children staying in hospital over Christmas.

To boost efforts, Leeds Metropolitan events management student Beccy Poad, who is on a work placement with Little Heroes, recruited MMT motorbike training school in her hometown of Darlington to help.

The group left the town today at 9.30am and pulled up in Bradford city centre to hand over their sponsorship money to Mr Nesbitt.

So far the motorcyclists have raised about £500, plus donations of toys.

Miss Poad’s father Mike Poad, 50, a partner of MMT, said: “My daughter’s on a year’s placement with Colin and I said I would like to do something as it’s that festive time of year. We’re hoping to raise £1,000 for the appeal.

“We had lots of people looking as we rode down here, a few cars beeping and lots of children waving.

“It’s terrific what Colin’s doing. We’re going to have Little Heroes as our company’s charity and we’ll do something again at Easter.”

Mr Nesbitt, 48, said: “For all these people to drive all the way from Darlington is a kind and lovely thing to do. It just shows that there are people out there who are determined to help no matter what.”

The Telegraph & Argus is backing the appeal by the Bradford’s Best winning charity. Readers can drop off a present at our offices in Hall Ings, Bradford; at the Keighley News, in North Street, Keighley; the Ilkley Gazette, in Wells Road, Ilkley, or the Craven Herald, in High Street, Skipton.

Gifts should be unused, unwrapped and suitable for boys and girls aged up to 15. For more information call Little Heroes on (01274) 288188, e-mail little heroes@hotmail.co.uk or visit littleheroes.org.uk.