Thousands of bikers are thundering into town for the fifth annual Easter bank holiday Shakedown.

Organisers are expecting up to 15,000 riders to descend on Southend seafront.

The visitors are digging deep into their pockets for Little Haven children's hospice.

The riders will hop onto their bikes at Ace Cafe London, in Stonebridge, before riding to the seafront via the A406, A12 then the A127.

Members of Rayleigh Riders motorcycle club are acting as marshalls to assist with parking in the town.

Southend co-ordinator Roger Glover said: "Once the motorcyclists reach the Cuckoo Corner roundabout there are signs pointing towards Thorpe Bay but the majority turn down Victoria Avenue to the seafront.

"The bulk of bikers will be arriving at about 12.30pm. Obviously, if any residents want to avoid getting caught up in it all they should avoid that time of day to come to town.

"There is always a great atmosphere.

"A lot of people go down to the seafront to see all the bikes - it's an amazing sight."

On show will be mods on scooters, rockers on Harley- Davidsons, trikes, vintage English motorcycles, sport bikes and Goldwings.

Fundraisers from Little Haven children's hospice were to gather on the seafront with collection boxes to raise cash from the motorcyclists and day-trippers.

Published Monday, April 21, 2003

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