AN ABERGELE motorcycle enthusiast has led a cohort of fellow riders on a round trip around North Wales to launch the 2019 Poppy Appeal.

More than 40 North Wales Royal British Legion (RBL) Riders Branch have called into towns in Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Conwy and Cheshire to raise awareness and pay respects to fallen soldiers.

Setting off from Chester Cathedral on Saturday, October 26, Abergele driving instructor Phil Jones led the procession of bikers around the county before crossing the border on Sunday 27.

Mr Jones, 57, said: "This is now our seventh year doing the ride and its one of our best turnouts to date.

"The purpose of the RBL riders isn't to raise funds, but to raise awareness.

"While we did get soaked on the Saturday, the weather on Sunday was glorious and we received a lot of interest from the general public. "

From their first stop in Wrexham, the RBL Riders were greeted by the mayor of Llangollen cllr Jon Haddy against the backdrop of more than 80 steel poppies at the Centenary Square for a memorial service led by Llangollen vicar, Father Lee Taylor, which included the sounding of Last Post and Reveille and the observation of the minute’s silence leading up to 11am..

The group is a national branch of the RBL, engaged in similar campaigns raising awareness and attracting mortorcylist across the UK and the world.

The riders - many of whom are forces veterans and hailing from as far afield as the Wirral and Yorkshire - were joined by members of local RBL branches on similar stops in Caernarfon, and Llandudno, as well as member of Cadet branches and a host of councillors for the services, which also included wreath laying in each of the locations.

For more information on the RBL Riders Branch, visit rblr.co.uk.