Is that a handlebar moustache?
12:45pm Friday 5th September 2008
POLICE bikers donned false moustaches in support of the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Officers gathered at the Durham police headquarters at Aykley Heads to launch the 2008 Mystery Ride, which raises money for the service.
The event, on September 27, coincides with the ambulance's Moustache for Cash week. Last year, 100 riders of all ages turned out for the ride, but organisers hope for more than 1,000 this year.
Mandy Drake, of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said: "We are hoping to make it the biggest yet. We need to raise £62,000 more a year to cover the rise in fuel prices. We get no Government or lottery funding so it's down to the general public to get behind us."
PC Ali Bonar, a police motorcyclist, will be one of those taking part.
She said: "Because of the nature of motorcycling, we get out of the way on the country roads, where they haven't got ambulance stations nearby.
"So if there is an accident, it falls to the Great North Air Ambulance Service to pick us up. They are lifesavers and we want to thank them and support them to the full."
For more information on the ride, visit www.durham.police.uk/bikewise.
For more information on the Moustache for Cash week, from September 20-28, call 01325-487263 or visit www.greatnorthairambulance. co.uk.