A DETERMINED veteran has set up a major fundraising cycle event in a bid to highlight the work done by charities supporting veterans and service personnel.

Craig Owens, 49, from Middlesbrough, is a veteran of the Royal Navy and keen cyclists who is about to take part in his 10th Royal British Legion (RBL) Pedal to Paris bike ride this summer.

But after taking part in numerous RBL bike rides, Mr Owens became frustrated that none were in the North of England, despite a huge amount of RBL members and veterans in the area.

“I realised that if I wanted one I’d have to organise it – so I approached the president of the Pedal to Paris ride if he would set one up in the North, and he told me to prove it could work,” said Mr Owens, who is Northern representative for the RBL Cycling Club.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 11, from Stainton in Middlesbrough, starting at 7.30am.

He added: “We got to work straight away looking at possible routes, and we have come up with a 100 mile and a 70 mile route.

“We wanted to showcase the best of the region so have come up with two fantastic routes from Stainton to Help for Heroes recovery centre Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison."

The 100 mile route will make its way from Stainton, through Great Ayton, climbing Clay Bank and Chop Gate, into East Rounton, Bedale and Catterick Garrison for lunch before heading back to Stainton for the finish.

The shorter route involves less hills but still takes riders from Stainton to Catterick Garrison – where all participants will receive lunch and a tour of Phoenix House.

Mr Owens said: “It will be a bonus if we raise some cash for RBL and Phoenix House, but my main aim is to raise awareness of the charities, and of the fantastic cycling in our area.

“There will be medal presentations on the day – but our top prize is for the person who has engaged with the event the most.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated their time and effort so far – I’ve experienced a lot of kind and generous people while organising this event and hope it will be a great success.”

Hannah Cookman, visits, events and volunteers co-ordinator at Phoenix House, said: “I’m so excited about this event and can’t wait to welcome the riders to Phoenix House.

“It is fantastic when charities like Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion take part in combined events because it shows both charities support each other as we are both working towards the same aim.”

For information visit www.facebook.com/RoyalBritishLegionNorthernRide2016 or www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/141451/Royal-British-Legion-Northern-Ride.