THE blood bike charity, Yeovil Freewheelers, is celebrating 35 years of service to the community.

Founded in 1978 by Mr Cecil “Ces” Turner and funded entirely by public donations, using volunteer riders, it continues to support Yeovil District Hospital and it's caption area covering South Somerset and North Dorset.

The charity's Chairman, Martin Surrey said: “Yeovil Freewheelers is the longest running blood bike charity in the UK, something we are immensely proud of.

"We wanted to make this a special year and take this opportunity to thank Cecil for all his past work in setting up the charity and his on-going interest and support of us.”

The charity made a surprise presentation of a birthday cake to Ces while he was introducing the line up of motorcycles at this years Abbey Hill Steam Rally, followed by a lap of honour as pillion on one of the blood bikes.