THE Somerset Rebels have announced they have accepted an invitation to become patrons of the locally-based ‘Santas On A Bike’ Charity, which raises money for the Children’s Hospice Southwest.

Founder Paul Wren said: “Santas On a Bike has been in existence for over ten years.

It was founded in – and remains based in – Somerset and our aim has always been to raise money and gifts for children’s charities with a motorcycle ride on the first Saturday in December.

“Support for the ride grew slowly but surely, and we have been working with the Children’s Hospice Southwest at Charlton Farm, near Bristol, for seven years.

“This year, we are planning our first summer event on June 21 to Children’s Hospice at Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, which will take the same format as the Bristol ride with start points all over the Southwest, with all meeting up before riding as one large group to the Hospice.

“Further details can be found either on our website, www.santasonabike.org.uk or on Facebook at ‘Summer Santa Run’.

“To help get the group to grow, we decided to look for a patron, not just a name on the top of our headed note paper but someone who could help us raise money and our profile.

“After thinking of lots of names, we decided to first ask the Somerset Rebels, and we were delighted they have accepted and look forward to a long and happy relationship with them.

“This will include us presenting a trophy at the club’s end-ofseason presentation night to the Somerset rider who has accrued the most bonus points over the course of the season.”

Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock said: “We were delighted and honoured to be asked by Paul to be the charity’s patron, and readily accepted.

“We will be looking at ways we can help the charity with their fundraising as well as helping to raise their profile, one of which will be to use our home meeting on June 19 against Workington as a precursor to the charity’s inaugural Summer Santa Run.”