A CYCLIST marked the start of this year's Poppy Appeal by cycling 35 miles around all the war memorials in East Cleveland on Saturday.

Eric Howden, 57, standard bearer of Redcar's Royal British Legion, toured the 12 memorials to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the legion, which coincides with its Poppy Appeal launch.

Mr Howden, who is also secretary of the branch, served with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for nine years.

He started his ride from the Redcar High Street kiosk, with MP Vera Baird on hand to wish him well, and travelled through Marske, Saltburn, Skelton, Boosbeck, Guisborough, Dunsdale, Eston, Normanby, South Bank, Grangetown and Dormanstown, paying homage at each memorial.