More than 150 big-hearted bikers roared into Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital to hand out toys and gifts to children being treated there.

Dozens of sick children and their families gathered at the windows and at the entrance to the hospital to see members of the Oxford chapter of the Harley Owners' Group arrive in convoy today.

The bikers had spent weeks collecting gifts, including teddy bears, crayons and colouring books and dished out hundreds of items to children.

Among those meeting them was 10-year-old Joe Hunt, from Kingston Bagpuize.

Joe, who is being treated for juvenile chronic arthritis, said: "The bikes are really good. I want my own one when I grow up."

His dad, Bill, said: "He loves motorbikes, particularly Harley-Davidsons. Being this close to them and being able to touch them is brilliant."

Cancer patient Jake Spicer, 13, from Blackbird Leys, got an extra special treat - he rode to the hospital in style on the back of one of the Harleys.

He said: "I have been looking forward to it all year. It was everything I expected, really exciting. I felt like I was part of something, part of a good thing."

Vian Patel, four, from Sandhills, Oxford, waited at his window to see the bikers arrive.

His dad Hitesh said: "He was very excited, he was at the window pointing and saying 'bikes, bikes'.

"It made his day. Having something like this cheered him up."

Joshua Drew, three, from Tingewick, near Buckingham, was too poorly to leave his bed after open heart surgery but got to meet some of the bikers at his bedside.

His mum Natasha said: "I think it's really nice for him to see somebody who doesn't want to do anything to him medically."

It is the eighth time the bikers have done the toy run, starting initially with an Easter egg run at Easter.

But the hospital suggested healthier items would be more helpful and said after Easter would be better, as many children went home if they were well enough.

Allan Brownridge, who works at the Harley-Davidson UK headquarters, in Garsington Road, Cowley, said: "I have been doing this since the Oxford dealership started.

"These guys do such wonderful work and it is absolutely fantastic to be here again. The kids are wonderful and they put up with so much."

Sally Hitchings, a play specialist at the hospital, said the JR had received tremendous support from bikers over the years.

She said: "It is quite a lift for the children when events like this go on.

"It takes their mind off what is going on and they really enjoy it. It is quite an impressive sight and even after all these years, you still think 'wow' when you see them coming."