It is not unusual to see the odd motorcycle cruising the county's roads on a sunny afternoon, but seeing 1,000 of them travelling in convoy is something quite spectacular.

It is not unusual to see the odd motorcycle cruising the county's roads on a sunny afternoon, but seeing 1,000 of them travelling in convoy is something quite spectacular.

A huge convoy of riders on motorcycles, trikes and scooters set off on Sunday for the annual Eastern Lights charity fundraising cavalcade.

The parade left Thickthorn park and ride in Norwich at 12.30pm and passed through Acle and Yarmouth before congregating on the Royal Green in Lowestoft at 2pm.

Organising committee member Paul Howard, who took part in the convoy, said that the day had been a fantastic success. "We had crowds of thousands all the way along the route, the support was amazing."

The money raised will be donated to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston. Sister in charge Glenda Turner decided to experience the spectacle for herself this year by riding with Mr Howard.

She said: "It was a real thrill to take part and see all the people who turned out to cheer us on, and the money raised will be put to good use in the accident and emergency unit.

"One of the mini ventilators which we use when transporting patients has broken down, so hopefully this money will fund a new one."

The annual event has raised more than £33,000 in the last five years, but this time participants were prevented from collecting money along the route for safety reasons. Anyone who wants to donate to the Eastern Lights can send a cheque to PO Box 6, NR33 OLD.