For the seventh year the people of Chepstow welcomed Hoggin' the Bridge, the annual charity bike ride that goes from Aust Services up the M48 to Magor before snaking its way back through the villages to Chepstow.

Well wishers lined the route to wave and cheer to the riders as they made their way along the 23-mile route.

Huge crowds awaited them in Chepstow as the town was suddenly brought to life with the throb of engines.

Just under 3,000 bikes actually crossed the Old Severn Bridge and an estimated 2,000-plus made their way straight to Chepstow to enjoy the entertainment put on in the town centre.

Pubs and cafes had queues of people all day.

Hoggin' the Bridge's organiserssaid: "We are never disappointed with the reception this event gets.

"The first ride was 13 years ago and we have been coming to Chepstow for the last seven.

"With the response we received yesterday we hope that Chepstow will welcome us back again next year.

"One group of bikers had travelled all the way down from Scotland.

"We are still counting the money and collecting tins will be in businesses around Chepstow town centre for another week.

"Last year we gave away £17,500 to charities including Meningitis UK and other local charities, including the National Association for Bikers with a Disability, the South Wales Air Ambulance and Chepstow Street Pastors.

"Fingers crossed that we equal or even better that total this year.

"The success of the event relies on the dozens of local people who join the Hoggin' the Bridge team to help marshal and park up the bikes on the day.

"We couldn't do it without them. A massive thanks also goes to the bands who all waived their fee so that we could give even more money away to local groups this year."