AN ARMY veteran has helped keep the memory of the 100 men from Richmond who were killed in the First World War alive by covering a bike wheel with named crosses and taking it on a charity bike ride.

Mark Milton, from Richmond, took part in the Royal British Legion's Pedal to Paris earlier this month and has raised around £670 for the charity.

Mr Milton, who up until 1987 had been in 49 Field Regiment based in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, has completed the RBL Pedal to Paris four times previously – despite having to finish one attempt at a later date because he crashed out of the main event.

He said because this year's event marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, he wanted to do something to remember the Richmond lads who lost their lives.

He said: "As an act of remembrance to the fallen of Richmond during the Great War, I carried a cross for every man named on the memorial based in Friary Gardens.

"Each cross was named and where known, additional information was added, such as the date of when he was killed in action, where, and local address.

"The crosses were then attached to a bike wheel on both sides."

The route was a 460km cycle ride leaving from Eltham Place, London, and finishing at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, Paris.

This year’s ride was the commemoration of the end of WW1 and journeyed through the battle area of the Somme being cheered through local villages and stopping at Auchy-la-Montagne – a village liberated during WW2 for a mayoral reception.

Mr Milton said: "The wheel was placed at a war cemetery on the outskirts of the village of Abbeville which acted as a hospital clearing station during the war.

"The feeling of cycling towards the Arc de Triomphe is amazing. The road is only closed for two cycling events, this and the Tour de France, so it is very special. The first first time I did the ride it was a really emotional moment, many broke down at the finish line."

To support Mr Milton's fundraising for the Royal British Legion,visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MarkMilton-PedaltoParis to donate.