Gales force cancellation of festive ride out

First held in 2018, this year's Santa's on a Bike has been scrapped for safety reasons

A popular festive ride out that attracts hundreds of motorcyclists each year has been cancelled because of the severe gales forecast for the weekend.

The Santa's on a Bike event was due to take place on Saturday morning to raise money for the Isle of Man's children's hospice Rebecca's House.

However, organisers said they had taken the decision to cancel it "with a heavy heart" but the safety of those due to take part had to be put first.

An amber weather warning has been put in place for most of Saturday, with gusts of up to 80mph (129km/h) brought by Storm Darragh expected to hit the island.

Ronaldsway Met Office said severe gales, possibly reaching storm force at times, would hit the island from 03:00 on Saturday for the remainder of the day.

The motorcycle ride was planned to start on Victoria Street in Douglas for the first time in 2024, finishing at Rebecca House, near Noble's Hospital in Braddan.

Last year's ride raised over £86,000 for the charity.