A WOMEN's motorcycle club has enjoyed a successful first year of supporting causes close to members' hearts.

Lioness MCC, which is based at Hope View Sensory Farm in Astley, was launched in December 2017 after a group of like-minded motorbike enthusiasts formed a club to help the community.

They have held a number of events to raise funds for Dementia Care and the Alzheimer's Society, which provides stimulation for those who go to the farm's popular sensory farm.

The farm is owned by Lioness MCC member Christine Dickenson.

Last month the club also organised a three-course Christmas dinner for veterans and their families after receiving support from the community including 20lb of prime silverside beef from Astley-based Meat Mart.

Other items were provided by Bolton Market traders so enough food was supplied to cater for the 70 people who attended the event.

Everyone who went to the dinner received a present too.

Surplus food was handed to a homeless shelter in Manchester.

Treasurer Jan Hull, 55, from Leigh, said: "The majority of our members have motorbikes and enjoy going on rides out.

"Some of us have also been in motorcycle clubs before.

"We all want to help local communities and we have supported a number of causes such as giving toys to a children's home and raising funds for dementia charities.

"We also like to do a lot for veterans and we are grateful for the generosity of the companies that donated food to us for the Christmas dinner we held."

The club's commitment to supporting veterans stems from the tragic experience of one of its members Julie Hall, from Westhoughton, who lost her son, Kingsman Darren Deady, after he died in Afghanistan on September 10, 2010.

Last year Lioness MCC held its first rally weekend in September where an array of entertainment was on display including live music.

The club has now teamed up with Boggarts MCC to organise another weekend rally this September with a range of entertainment on offer.

Lioness MCC members take part in the annual Gingers Easter egg run which saw around 500 people on bikes and scooters deliver around 2,000 chocolate treats from Leigh Miners Welfare Institute to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital last year.

The club is also available to take part in funeral escorts for loved ones who had an interest in motorcycles.

The organisation meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 8pm at the Marsland Green Lane farm with everyone welcome to attend.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, January 16.