Bexhill help for army riders

Topgear Superstore, in Beeching Road, have sponsored the Ride for Heroes team on their tour of the British coastline to raise funds for soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The mail-order company, who specialise in motorcycling equipment and clothing, supplied the riders with boots and also presented a cheque for 300 towards the campaign.

They also ordered in some much needed food for the group, who had spent the day riding along the south coast as part of their 4,200 mile trip.

Fred Thomas, marketing and sales director at Topgear Superstore, explained how the sponsorship deal came about.

He said: "We met the guys at a show we were at. They came to our stall and told us what they were planning and asked if we would help them.

"We were happy to support it because it's a really worthy cause."

The Ride For Heroes team are riding British Army issued Harley Davidson motorcycles and began their journey in Grantham on June 6.

Riders used military establishments from all the services for their overnight stops, linked by a number of day-time fund-raising and recruiting events supported by Territorial Army regiments en-route.

Their trip should have ended in Lincoln by the time the Observer went to press.

Major Bill Scott, the officer in charge of the team said: "The event is not for the faint hearted and will be a test of everyone's stamina, endurance and teamwork. It is hoped the event will raise awareness of the essential support provided by the TA on operations, while marking its centenary. In addition fund raising will take place for those members of the armed forces injured in the line of duty, on behalf of the 'Help for Heroes' initiative."

For more information visit www.justgiving.com/rideforheroes