A SENIOR commander in the British Army has said he is humbled by a large donation to his soldiers from a charity motorbike ride.

A Ride of Honour by more than 750 motorcyclists took place at the beginning of April and completed a route between the Squires Bike Café in South Milford, outside Leeds, to Eden Camp, near Malton.

The ride raised £3,000 for the Black Rat Fund, which supports the soldiers of the 4th Mechanized Brigade, which has headquarters based in Catterick Garrison.

Brigadier Bob Bruce, Commander of the Brigade, said: "I am extremely grateful to the riders that they go to such great lengths and efforts to raise money for the Black Rat Fund which helps all the soldiers in the brigade.

"This is a very significant amount of money and it is very humbling to be able to accept it on behalf of everyone."

The Brigade, which are nicknamed the Black Rats, completed a gruelling six-month tour of Afghanistan in October of last year and a memorial service for the fallen was held at York Minster in December.

The organiser of the ride, Chris Eden, said the group had wanted to do something in Yorkshire to raise money for the Black Rat Fund and Help for Heroes.

He said: "We cannot do enough for these guys. They really are our heroes. "We wanted to show our respect and give our support because we firmly believe that they are not always given the respect and praise they fully deserve."

Plans are now being made to hold another Ride of Honour in the summer next year. Full details are available at www.rideofhonour/2012.