BIKERS have been inundated with requests for birthday drive-bys to help people coping with lonely lockdown celebrations have a day to remember.

With 50 requests in a matter of weeks, the Dengie and South Essex Bikers have found a new craze - and have so far organised 14 drive-bys in as many days to provide some much-needed smiles.

The events, which usually feature around 15 to 30 bikers, have been giving lifelong memories to children across south Essex, with Wickford a hotspot for requests.

Member Jamie Dorrell, from Pitsea, said: “Bikers don’t usually have the best reputation.

“It feels like we’ve brought streets and communities together.”

The convoy of bikes driving through streets all started when the Government began lifting the lockdown earlier this month, with the group rarely meeting beforehand to stick to social distancing guidelines.

Jamie told the Echo the bikers have spent about £1,000 on cards and presents, and refuse to take payment for fuel or their appearance.

Instead they ask parents or neighbours to consider donating to the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance.

Jamie, 31, said: “It’s brilliant to see so many smiling faces when we come out.

“The response from the bikers in the group has been phenomenal.

“We get a kick out of it too. To hear the sound of our engines revving after a long time off the road is a great feeling.

“For children with extra needs, we say to the parents we can do a quieter ride where we don’t rev our engines.

“You still hear the rumble, which is why a lot of people come out to watch.”

The Echo reported on the third drive by Jamie organised, for four-year-old Max, who has autism, with the birthday surprise going down a storm.

He added: “It was brilliant to see Max’s smile as we stopped outside his house.

“We’ve had the support from the whole of Wickford. It’s been so nice.”

Visit the Dengie and South Essex bikers Facebook page.