A PAIR of bikers are giving back to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance by raising hundreds at a charity motorcycle ride, dressed as Mario and Luigi.

Mike James, 31 of Winstree in Pitsea and Graham Smitheman, 41 of London Road, Wickford will be taking part in the air ambulance' annual motorcycle run from the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Basildon to Harwich, dressed as the world famous Nintendo plumbers.

This year marks the fourth that Mike and Graham have taken part in the ride.

Mike said: "As bikers we always know or have friends who know people who have had a need for an air ambulance.

"They are a charity too and receive no government funding so we feel we really need to continue supporting them."

The pair are planning to raise £400 in time for the event on September 9.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mario-luigi-ehaat