MORE than 3,000 leather-clad fundraisers revved their Harley Davidsons throgh Gwent to raise thousands of pounds for various good causes.

The annual Hoggin' the Bridge took place today with bikers from across the country joining the ride from England across the Old Severn Bridge.

On entering Gwent, the convoy of Harleys made their way across a 22 mile route through Magor, Rogiet and Caldicot, before ending up in Chepstow.

Organisers are still counting the cash raised by yesterday's event but they are confident of topping the £14,500 that was shared between around a dozen charities in 2007. Those to benefit included St Anne's Hospice, Wales Air Ambulance Fund and the National Association for Bikers with Disabilities.

Newport based St Anne's Hospice provide free palliative in-patient care to people with life threatening illnesses, last year the charity received £2,000 as a result of Hoggin' the Bridge.

The event is organised by the Bridgewater HOG - or Harley Owners Group - and it was the ninth year the bikers have come to Gwent.

Fundraiser Phil Hayward said the event was the biggest yet. "We've had over 3,000 riders and there were thousands of people in Chepstow town centre. It's much bigger than last year."

Upon arrival in Chepstow bands and stalls greeted the riders for a festival of afternoon activities.

Joining the thousands of other bikers were former Newport-Gwent Dragons stars Ian Gough and Jason Forster and Mr Hayward said it was second time the two forwards had leant their support to the event.

Riders pay £10 to register their bikes for the event and are given a Tshirt for taking part.