Motorcyclists came to the rescue when postmen and women went on strike.

Members of Banbury Cross Motorcycle Club turned out to sort and deliver letters for Horton General Hospital in the town.

They collected urgent mail from the hospital each night and took it as far afield as Bicester and Woodford Halse.

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When this picture was taken in 1971, they had handled nearly 400 urgent letters for patients.

Chairman Tim Stevens said: “We shall go on doing it just as long as the hospital needs us.”

Members had recruited wives, friends and children to help as ‘sorters’ after the bundles had been collected.

Tim Stevens, Peter Bennett and Bill Ord are pictured getting ready for their nightly rounds.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF