Pictures and video: Honda Goldwing display delights Shrewsbury

In beaming sunshine more than 40 Honda Goldwings lined up in the picturesque park for a charity event designed to raise awareness, and important funds, for Shropshire Autism Hub.

The static display in Shrewsbury's main park was followed by a spectacular procession around the town, with the giant touring bikes offering a blur of coloured lights and chrome on a three lap route around the town centre.

Mark Phillips, the national events secretary for the Goldwing Club, said the display had been a hit, with the bikes proving a firm-favourite with the public.

He said: "I think it is something that you do not see every day. It was, and I think is still is, the king of motorcycles. When people see Harleys and Harley riders they are a bit scared to go up to them but Goldwings are a bit more of a friendly type of bike."

Marilyn Jones, organiser of the event, which was taking place for the second year running, said it was a great way to raise awareness of the work carried out by the hub, which supports those over 18.

She said: "The hub is for adults who are higher functioning. They have a hidden disability because they do not have a physical disability you can see - there are no crutches or a guide dog - they look neurotypical so these people struggle more then someone who is more severely affected because it does not look like anything is wring with them but they still have the same issues that affect them."

She said the aim of the hub is to provide its members with confidence and empowerment.

Ms Jones explained the event had started when she made a request to the bike organiser Sid Wozniak to bring a bike down to the hub for the members to see.

She said: "I asked Sid, did he think he could get a friend or two to come and show off the bikes at the hub and he mailed me back and said he had 34 friends who wanted to bring their bikes."

The Goldwing is a classic touring bike, which is often modified to create a trike. The display featured a host of varieties ranging from the original motorbike to modified trikes complete with spectacular chrome trim and attention grabbing lights.

Jeff Brook of Tamworth was one of those with a bike on display, named "Sarah's Dream" in tribute to his daughter who died from Huntingdon's Disease.

He said the club was always eager to support charity efforts.

He said: "It is not a club, it is a family. Anyone has a problem there is always someone they can go to.

"We have raised over £3,000 in 18 months but this weekend we are here supporting autism and that is the thing about Goldwing members, they will support any charity at the local events."

Fiona Williams, chief officer of A4U, which facilitates Shropshire Autism Hub, said it had been a wonderful way to make people aware of the group's work.

She said: "It is fantastic and the turn out of bikes we have had has been wonderful. It is a perfect venue in Shrewsbury and the weather has been great. We didn't know what to expect when it took place last year because I had never been to one before but when they light up and do the parade through town it is wonderful and they are so supportive. They really want to come and support the charity."