DEDICATED ground engineers at RAF Lyneham aim to cycle across Britain in a bid to raise more than £100,000 for Help for Heroes.

The six staff, who maintain the C130 Hercules aircraft at the base, hope to pedal about 960 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End to help the charity build recovery centres for injured soldiers.

Chief technician Paul Clark, 48, said the team decided to tackle the challenge due to their experiences of helping to transport wounded soldiers in Afghanistan.

“A lot of people in Swindon have heard about all the repatriations going through Wootton Bassett but most don’t see half of the actual injuries that are caused,” he said.

“There are a lot of guys who have lost limbs through roadside bombs.

“What Help for Heroes in trying to do is raise £20 million to build 11 personnel recovery centres where the guys who have lost limbs can stay and be helped to recover.”

The fundraising team comprises of chief technicians Paul Clark, Robert Gratton, Paul Johnson, Robert Munday and Adrian Ellis, plus warrant officer Simon Jude.

They started training for the challenge before Christmas, cycling regularly in the Wiltshire countryside.

The team, whose average age is 43, will pedal off on July 18, travelling an average of 85 to 90 miles a day to finish on July 28.

A support team of colleagues in vehicles will drive ahead of the cyclists at various stages to set up fundraising stalls.

Mr Clark, a grandfather, who lives in Freshbrook, Swindon, said: “All the guys will manage the distance.

“We are going to do an average of seven to eight hours in the saddle each day so a lot of the physical side will be the chaffing on the legs.”

A fundraising event will be held inside the Swindon Designer Outlet on Saturday when team member will be taking turns on two stationary training bikes.

They have so far raised about £3,000 and also want to hear from householders or hotel owners who can offer accommodation during their ride.

Anyone who can help can contact Mr Clark on 01793 335750, 01249 896627 or 07765 220243.

Sponsor the team at www.justgiving.com/ c130groundengineer1000milecycle