A mass of moped riders left Dover today to travel 450 miles to Land's End to help those with autism.

One was Dover postman John Rogers who dressed as Postman Pat.

They left the seafront to first ride a lap of the town via Buckland Bridge, before heading out to the West Country, mostly on B-roads.

The total 38 people are travelling on mopeds and small motorcycles of 100cc or less for the Dover, Deal and Shepway branch of the National Autistic Society.

The Ride for Autism ends next Monday.

The local NAS is trying to raise money to start a youth club for 11 to 25-year-olds.

Branch chairman Gee Buttigieg said: "A club for this age range is much needed and any monies left over will be going towards a mini bus so more families can access our events."

One of those on the trip was Harriet Gibbs, of Dover, who is autistic. She will travel the last three or four miles in a 50cc tricycle driven by her father Simon but will be driven to Cornwall by car by her mother Rhiann Lamoon.

The riders left Marine Parade, outside the Gateway Flats, at 9.30am and headed up the High Street and London Road to Buckland Bridge.

They route was then Buckland Avenue, Barton Road, Maison Dieu Road and into Pencester Road before going along Folkestone Road towards Capel-le-Ferne.

For further details of this event see the website mopedrideforautism.com