DORSET'S Action on Addiction Motorcycle Ride has been postponed until next year.

Organisers had to make the difficult decision to postpone it for a second time due to the continued threat of coronavirus.

Originally due to take place in April, the ride was rescheduled for September as news of the pandemic hit, but has now been postponed again, and will go ahead on Sunday April 18 2021.

The charity bike rally has raised almost £3,000 for Clouds House, a rehab centre near Shaftesbury that treats anyone affected by drug, drink or gambling addiction, organised by Bikers for Action South West.

It was founded by Wendy and John Bramble in memory of their son Craig, who sadly passed away in 2001 from solvent abuse.

During the event, bikers deck themselves and their bikes out in bright colours for a six-hour ride from the Granby Industrial Estate in Chickerell along the coast road to West Bay for refreshments, before continuing on to Exmouth Football Club for a barbecue.

John Bramble said: "After great deliberation Wendy and myself have decided to postpone the ride again - it hasn't been an easy decision to make but after chatting to Ali at Snack Shack and Sue and Julian at Windy Corner Cafe, our decision was made a lot easier as they both explained that they would not be in a position to be able to help/cater for us due to the social distancing ruling.

"Parking would also have been a no-go for the amount of bikes turning up; on top of that we had some issues at Exmouth Football Club - ie, no barbecue, no drinks and no toilet facilities - so we've really had no choice, as sad as it is."

Organisers are now inviting people to put forward suggestions for virtual fundraising activities that could be held on September 13, the date the ride was due to go ahead.

Riders are also encouraged to donate their ride fee for this year's cancelled ride to support the charity.

Donations can be made by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnBramble