A group of motorcyclists paid a Christmas visit to ex-servicemen and their partners who are integrating into the community after serving in the armed forces.

The visit to Launchpad in the Newcastle area of Byker was arranged by Mike Ewart from Wylam, president of the Northumberland Chapter of the Widows Son’s Masonic Bikers Association.

Launchpad is a charity which aims to get its veterans into employment and permanent housing, and contributing to society within two years by providing them with accommodation.

Mike, together with a number of his masonic colleagues brought gifts and food for everyone.

Mike said: “When you listen to some of the experiences these men have had in their military career and learn how society has treated them when they left the armed services, it makes you want to reach out and help.”