A TEAM of military men from the region and beyond is taking part in a sponsored bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for charity.

Six men are getting ready to saddle up for the four day challenge clocking up to 130km a day on two wheels.

They will set off, along with 300 others from around the country, on Thursday, August 30, arriving in the French capital on Monday, September 3, in aid of the Royal British Legion, having covered a total of 284 miles.

The team all served in the now disbanded 49th Field Regiment Royal Artillery and includes Ian Morgan, of Ushaw Moor, near Durham, David Mulvey, from Sunderland, Mark Milton, from Richmond, Paul Wright, from Boroughbridge, Paul Crouch, from Thirsk, and Tony Ripley, from Leeds.

Captain Morgan, 57, who is still serving as a regimental career management officer, said: “The British Legion has put on a training programme, which is about 14 weeks long.

“The last big ride I did was from Ushaw Moor to Hartlepool, which is a 50-mile return trip, and the weekend before I did a Catterick return, which is a 70-mile trip.

“It is going to be about 80 miles a day.

“There are going to be six of us riding together.

“I am a little bit apprehensive because I am not really a cyclist so it is all a bit of a novelty for me but I am looking forward to it.”

Mr Morgan, a married father-of-two, has raised almost £1,000 so far.

He added: “I am doing this specifically to raise money for the British legion.

“Between us if we can raise over £10,000 I will be happy.”

To sponsor the team visit justgiving.com/560062MORGAN