HUNDREDS of spectators gathered at the old Severn Bridge yesterday to witness the stunning spectacle of nearly 3,000 motorbikes coming into Gwent.

The annual Hoggin the Bridge event saw thousands of bikers from across Europe and the UK form a huge convoy over the bridge.

The bikers, many of who rode Harley Davidsons, or 'Hogs', were raising money for local charities.

At 11am, the gathered onlookers first heard the roar of the high-powered engines and then saw the wave of bike headlights appear from over the brow of the bridge.

Bikers taking part in the event, which is now in its eighth year, took around 15 minutes to get across the bridge before travelling along a 22-mile route through Magor, Rogiet and Caldicot, and finishing in Chepstow.

Many riders wore fancy dress and waved to the gathered crowds at the old bridge and along several motorway bridges as they passed through the area.

Among the charities benefiting from Hoggin' the Bridge were St Anne's Hospice, SARA, Secret World, The Air Ambulance and Yeovil Air Cadets.

The event is being organised by the Bridgwater Chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners Group.

Steve Bayliss, from the Harley Davidson group, said: "It's our main fundraising event and is now in its eighth year.

"We've raised an average of £10,000 for local charities in both Chepstow and Bridgwater."