Hundreds of pounds have been raised to help people with their mental health thanks to a keen motorbike enthusiast.

Alan Hill, secretary of the West Dorset Motorbike Action Group, has been raising funds for a cause after shaving his long hair and colourful beard during Weymouth Bike Night.

The 71-year-old was raising money for the Weymouth Sunday Lunch Club which he helps run through the charity Rethink Mental Illness.

More than £500 has been raised to allow people who suffer with their mental health to go on trips put on by the group.

Alan said: "The reason behind this is I have been a volunteer for over 20 years.

"We had funding from the council until eight or nine years ago but it was withdrawn and I carried on through the Rethink Mental Illness charity, but that is not funded.

"So, I thought as I had grown my hair, I thought I would raise money for the charity for trips and things like that.

The keen motorcyclist has been helping to run the Sunday Lunch Club group for more than 20 years as the group co-ordinator.

It aims to reduce loneliness for people with loved experience of mental illness and is something that Alan says is 'close to my heart'.

Having suffered with his problems with his mental health earlier in his life, Alan just wants to help people.

He added: "I grew up with a family who always helped people and just by being asked to help, I did.

"Most people have their own issues throughout life, some are life long, but mine wasn't and some people with things like schizophrenia are not likely to get between without medication."

Many local businesses have donated to Alan's cause who he was keen to thank for all their help.

He added: "I want to say thank you to Snackshack Richard at Mole Valley Motorbikes, Harbour Lights, Weymouth Flooring Ltd, Weymouth Mobility, Haley and Gina at Hays Travel, Shanie and Scott at  the Crown Inn Bridport, Weymouth Santander, Chris Mitchell at NatWest, Graham at Accutts, Dorset Cafe and Restaurant, Round Chimneys Farm, Granvilles and Danny at Roly's Fudge Pantry. 

"Plus many at Weymouth bike night and Cartgate bike meet, Yeovil and West Bay bikers. A big thank you to you all.

"I have been involved in lots of things over the years and I have a lifelong connection with Weymouth, I love it here."