Since it was formed the Misfits Motorcyle Club has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Reporter MARK PAYNE spoke to leader of the pack, chairman Andrew 'Clem' Clements.

ANDREW "Clem" Clements first fell in love with motorbikes when he was just a young lad of around 12.

To him the powerful machines symbolised freedom and independence – and still do.

After riding a small 50cc bike as a youngster he graduated to his first bike proper, a Kawazaki 125cc twin and has never looked back since.

Andrew, 43, recalled: "It felt absolutely brilliant. It was great just to be out on the road.

"It meant I was one of the boys."

Seventeen years ago, Andrew joined Hartlepool's Misfits Motorcycle Club after it had been up and running for just a couple of years.

"I just heard about the club, came down and met the lads and ended up joining," he said.

All the members are united by their love of motorcycling and having a good time.

Andrew, a glazer by day, enjoys a busy social life with the group that involves attending regular bike rallies all over the country and abroad, partying at rock nights or just getting together at each other's houses.

Andrew is the proud owner of three classic bikes; a Yamaha Streetfighter, Suzuki Cruiser Intruder and a VW trike bike.

He said: "There is always something going on."

"We have all been interested in bikes all our lives.

"We all just love the freedom they can bring and the feel of he wind in your face."

The club was formed in 1992 when the Sump Oilers Motorcycle Club disbanded. The founders named it the Misfits as they felt it summed up perfectly how they saw themselves.

Today they have 10 members aged between 17 and over 50.

Their logo features a distinctive skull with a snake bursting through it and is based on an old album cover.

Andrew explained their colours are an important part of the club and help different groups across the country identify each other when they meet up at rallies.

But he says anyone who judges them by their rocker style image is in for a shock.

The group devotes much of its time to organising charity drives and supports at least five different good causes throughout the year.

Earlier this year they raised more than £1,500 for the Macmillan nurses after a charity rock night in the Raglan Quoit Club, in Stuart Street, Hartlepool.

Over the last few years they have raised more than £4,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance service and deaf blind charities.

Their main event of the year is a festival in July when the bikers and supporters converge on a field for a weekend of live music, rallies, camping and fundraising activities.

All the money raised goes to Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group.
Catcote School, which cares for special needs children, is also close to the Misfits' heart and the group holds a rock night every Christmas for the school.

And it's not just people Andrew and the Misfits help. Every year, the club hits the road collecting food and donations for the Dogs Trust at Sadberge near Darlington.

Andrew, a married dad of four, explained: "One of the main reasons we do all the charity work is to show people that we are not the bunch of vagabonds that some might think we are. We are just ordinary people who like to have a laugh and carry on like anyone else.

"We are a family-orientated club. There's always something going on whether it's a rally or a rock night."

Andrew, of Catcote Road, Hartlepool, was made chairman of the club in 1999 when original leader Brian Measor retired due to ill health.

When Brian, known as The Boss, died in 2001 riders from all over the country converged on Hartlepool for his funeral.

The Misfits say it is proof of the strong bond that exists among the biking community.

Member Joyce Melrose said: "Without the bikes we wouldn't have a club.

It is the bikes that bring everyone together.

"Being part of a bike club is like having an extended family."

The Misfits are currently looking for new members to swell their ranks.

Anyone interested is invited to join them at the Raglan Quoit Club where they meet every alternate Tuesday, with the next meeting on Tuesday, June 23.