THOUSANDS of bikers are expected to ride through Wirral again today when a second tribute to the troubled Egg Run takes place.

The Wirral Egg Run tribute ride-out 2015 starts at the Dips in New Brighton at 11am and will follow the Egg run route towards Clatterbridge.

The annual fundraising event had been scrapped in 2013, because of a lack of funding.

But that did not stop 3,700 saddling up for a tribute run last year and raising £2082 for charities.

The cash was split between Claire House, Northwest Air Ambulance and Northwest Blood Bikes, who will benefit again this time.

In a statement on its website ahead of this year's event, the egg run organisers said: "We are doing this ride-out to honour the members of the Empress MCC and everyone who made the Egg run one of the biggest, if not the biggest Egg Run in Europe.

"To honour every rider (no matter what machine they ride/rode) who has ever taken part in this fantastic happening in the past, we will keep the Wirral Egg Run name and spirit alive."

The Run had grown in popularity to a massive degree since its launch in 1981 and around 12,000 bikers attended the run in 2012.

It faced the axe in 2013 and was thought to have been saved when sponsors stepped in with a £20,000 sponsorship package.

But organisers told the Globe that despite the water company's financial support, sufficient funding could not be guaranteed from other sponsors to meet the total cost of running the event safely and professionally.

Last year's event was described on the organisers' website as 'a tribute ride-out in honour of the Wirral egg run and the fantastic people who made it happen every year.'

Bikers will set off from the dips at New Brighton, ending their journey at Claremont farm in Old Clatterbridge Road, not far from Claire House.

Egg Run veteran Eugene Morris, better known to his motorbiking friends as 'Badger', took part in his 15th run last year.

He told the Globe afterwards: "We hope to keep on doing it for the next 15 years and more, even if we have to do it on our zimmer frames."

Birkenhead-born biker Terry Gill also took part in the run dressed as comedian Roy 'Chubby' Brown.

He said "This is my first time on the egg run. It was fantastic. Kiddies, young and old were waving and everyone was supporting."

Fellow biker John 'Hippy Bones' Jones said: "There were probably twice as many people on the sides the road as on bikes. The support from the public was fantastic and we couldn't ask for more.

"We're hopeful that, next year, there’ll be more. There was a year’s worth of smiles in a day."

Police are urging those taking part to do so safely and responsibly. Area Commander for Wirral, Chief Superintendent John Martin, said: "The majority of people taking part are there to raise money for good causes and to enjoy themselves safely.

"I'd urge everyone taking part to make sure they stick to the Highway Code and don't put themselves or other riders or pedestrians at risk by speeding.  This should make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.

"I’d also remind everyone that the roads are likely to be really busy on the day of the event and motorists may want to think about their route to help avoid any congestion."

Below, the bikers deliver gifts to Claire House in 2014.