Bikers pay moving tribute to troops killed in Afghanistan

ABOUT 15,000 bikers rode through Wootton Bassett yesterday to honour troops killed in Afghanistan.

The Wiltshire market town has come to represent the nation in paying respect to fallen soldiers as each funeral cortege passes through on its way from RAF Lyneham to the coroner in Oxford.

Crowds gathered along the High Street yesterday to hear the roar of more than 10,000 motor bikers with about 5,000 pillion passengers pass the war memorial on route.

The ride, believed to the biggest of its kind, has raised more than 100,000 so far for the charity Afghan Heroes. Wootton Bassett Mayor Steve Bucknell said: "

Too many times the town has had to stand still in silence but today is all about noise and movement."

Laurence Phillips, who is from Afghan Heroes, said the event was an

"unbelievable show of support for the troops in Afghanistan and a mark of respect for the town of Wootton Bassett".