THOUSANDS of bikers will converge on New Brighton promenade for the world-famous Wirral Egg Run next month.

The event - one of the largest biker "runs" in the UK - will take place on Sunday, April 17.

And this year there has been a significant change in the way the 22-mile event will be staged and funded.

The 2011 run is sponsored by Wirral-based Camps Solicitors and GEG Motorcycles, with help from other local businesses, Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and Bam Nuttalls traffic management.

Around 10,000 bikers took part in the event last year, raising more than £26,000, which was split between several local charities including Stick 'n' Step, Wirral Autistic Society and Claire House children's hospice.

Buddy Owen, pastor of Hoylake Chapel and Egg Run community liaison officer, told the Globe: “It's hoped with raising the profile locally Wirral people will see they have an opportunity in these belt-tightening times to help the more vulnerable in our community.

“Due to the growing size of the event, we may have to close the Clatterbridge site early before all the motorcycles arrive.

"So we have teamed up with GEG Motorcycles and Camp Solicitors to have an alternative landing site in Bromborough where you can drop off your eggs and make donations."

From mid-March, a dedicated cash-donation text line will be available and everyone using it will automatically be put into a draw to win a 2011 Harley Davidson 883 Iron.

A 24-hour merchandise website will be available to buy badges, T-shirts, hoodies and vests - the profits from which will go to charity.

This will be the Egg Run's 31st outing. On its first run in 1980, only around 20 riders took part taking Easter Eggs to give to sick children at Arrowe Park Hospital.

The event has grown steadily every year since then to the massive turn-out of several thousands seen today.

The purpose of the run changed to a charity fundraiser in 1998 and has so far raised around £75,000 for local causes.

If would like to get involved, or would like to be a marshall on the day, email Mr Owen at questions@wirraleggrun.co.uk, telephone 07838 241 523, or click the top link below.

Camps Solicitors and GEG Motorcycles have underwritten the costs of the event and have been instrumental in raising the profile of the charity, locally and nationally.

GEG, based in Bassendale Road, Bromborough, will also be organising a Family Fun day after the Egg Run with a number of attractions including stunt riders, face painting etc as well as various stalls to continue raising money.