Wirral's world-famous fundraising Egg Run appears to have been saved after a last-minute cash donation by United Utilities.

Trustees of the Run told the Globe tonight that - "providing everything fall into place" - the event will go ahead as planned on Sunday, March 17.

In December, the organising committee announced "with great regret"  that the event planned for 2013 had been called off due to lack of support and sponsorship.

But now it seems the Run is back on.

A statement from head trustee David Radley said: "All involved would like to offer their thanks to United Utilities and the other donors and would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of both the committee and the trustees in their efforts over the past three months to ensure this year's run goes ahead.

"This is despite the best efforts of a small group of people who seemed determined on social media to scupper not only this year's run but the future of the charity."

"To avoid this issue in future years we would ask all participants this year to give generously bearing in mind we are, in the first place, a charity aimed at providing help for children across the region, it is important that the charity is well supported by the people enjoying it the most if we wish it to continue into the future."

The event began as "The Wirral Easter Egg Run" in April 1981.

It was a ride-out by Empress Motorcycle Club from New Brighton to Heswall’s Children Hospital.

About 20 bikes took part with every rider and pillion taking an Easter Egg to give to the children who were staying in hospital over the Easter period.

In 1982, the second Egg Run expanded with friends of the Empress MCC also joining, bringing the number of motorcycles to just over 50.

The run increased in size every year and in 1986 approximately 250 bikes, ranging from mopeds and scooters through to tourers and sports bikes, took part donating over 400 Easter eggs.

It has grown every year since, and last year's event attracted around 12,000 bikers raising many thousands of pounds for good causes.