A HOARD of tattooed bikers dressed in their leathers riding through town in unison on their Harley Davidsons may to some be a pretty intimidating sight.

Thanks to films such as the Marlon Brando classic The Wild One and the ... er, not so classic ’90s action movie Stone Cold, many view biker gangs or groups with a judgemental eye.

However members of the Bridgwater Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) say they are keen to change this oft held misconception.

The group, which is now the oldest continuous Chapter in Europe, are avid charity fundraisers who think nothing of giving up their time if it can help raise money for a good cause or put a smile on the face of someone less fortunate.

Speaking to the Mercury, Debs Atterton of Bridgwater HOG, said: “Our aim really is to try to promote responsible motorcycling activities for Harley Owners Group members.

“We encourage them to become involved in other HOG events in a safe, fun and family orientated manner.

“Over the years we’ve managed to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity and we will continue to do so.”

Each year the club, whose members range in age from their 20s to their 70s, decide on a local charity to raise funds for and this year they have chosen Ups and Downs South WQest – a Down Syndrome support group based in Westonzoyland.

Recently members rode into Westonzoyland to attend an exhibition by 18-year-old photographer Oliver Hellowell, who has Downs Syndrome (see picture, above right).

The Bridgwater Chapter formed in 1989, six years after the Harley Owners Group was formed by Willie G. Davidson.

HOG is now the biggest motorcycle club in the world and the Bridgwater bikers make sure they put the HOG banner to good use.

Debs added: “Over the years we’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some great events for charity.

“Between 2000 and 2009 we organised ‘Hoggin the Bridge’ where thousands of bikers (mostly on Harleys) rode over the Severn Bridge en mass, donating money for the privilege.

“We also take part in the Bra Run for Breast Cancer charities and the Santa Run for children’s homes.”

The club was also chosen to lead the pre-Carnival procession through the streets of Bridgwater this year after holding a charity raffle to win a ride on a rare Harley trike.

HOG members meet once a month at the Master Thatcher in Taunton where they discuss planned rides and charity events.

The meetings also usually include a guest speaker from a charity or the dealership.

Debs said: “We spend time talking to our members receiving feedback from them so we can continue to provide them with a safe, fun and family orientated club.

And it is this notion of a family club that HOG want to convey.

Debs explained: “HOG and the Bridgwater Chapter really want to promote family involvement.

“My partner and I involve our foster and grandchildren as much as we can.

“We do have quite a few younger members as pillions – my granddaughter is eight years old.”

Debs added: “If you ride a Harley come and join us, whether your partner or friend or family member is a rider, pillion or not. We have so many events and activities to include all of our members.

Anyone interested in joining can visit www.bridgwaterhog.co.uk