GENTLEMEN in Bournemouth raised nearly £25,000 for charity following a motorbike ride event in September.

Around 500 retro-themed and custom motorbike riders took part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).

An annual event, the DGR is an international campaign to raise money and awareness for men’s health, specifically, prostate cancer research and suicide prevention charities.

Riding from Poole Quay to the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Southbourne, bike enthusiasts from across Dorset and further afield joined in with the Bournemouth event.

Local sponsors included Legacy 85, Mirus 55 and Three Cross motorcycles.

This year the DGR also linked with Bournemouth School for Boys, with students raising nearly £1,400 for the charity campaign.

Welcoming back the riders who participated in the event, Brewhouse & Kitchen hosted a celebratory after party. The group enjoyed video footage of their procession, with pints of the DGR’s charity ale on tap. Proceeds from the sale of the ale were then donated to the total sum raised.

Rounding up the charity fundraising, the event revealed that the Bournemouth ride has successfully raised close to £25,000 for charity.

The winner of the HEDON X DGR limited edition helmet prize competition was also announced.

James Page, organiser of the Bournemouth DGR, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have raised nearly £25,000 for men’s health charities. I would like to thank everyone who took part and the Brewhouse & Kitchen for hosting an amazing after party.’’

Michael de Ruiter, general manager of the Southbourne Brewhouse & Kitchen, added: “We were thrilled to host an electric after party for the hugely successful DGR charity event.

“The Bournemouth DGR is the largest UK ride outside of London, so we had a huge number of riders in attendance. With craft beer and food available, all the gentlemen involved had a great opportunity to celebrate."

To find out more about the international Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, or to register for UK events, visit www.gentlemansride.com.