A GROUP of friends are taking on a marathon bike ride to commemorate the end of the First World War.

The cyclists, all from Tallarn Green and Threapwood, are taking on a 300-mile cycle challenge through northern France and Belgium to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One, while raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The route has been mapped out, so they can visit the 22 graves and war memorials from the men from their villages who lost their lives during WW1.

At each stop, they will be placing a cross made by local youth groups on the grave and hold a small service of remembrance.

The team will set off from Northern France on Friday and make their way through to Belgium to finish at Paris-Plages on Tuesday.

The cyclists will also be joined along the way by several of their friends in support vehicles, to help them throughout the ride.

The fundraisers hope to raise £10,000 for SSAFA Clwyd branch.

At the outbreak of the war, the Government called on SSAFA to take care of the families of soldiers going to the Front, something the SSAFA still do to this day.

Jay Tindle, organiser of the trip, said: "I came up with the idea last year after doing a ride myself last year. I was planing on doing it by myself and told people, who told other people and a few people wanted to do it.

"I'm really looking forward to it. A lot of the guys have relatives who fought in the war. We're going to cycle to all the memorials and place a cross in memory of the guys relatives.

"I've made some files along with David Paton of all the riders and their histories that we're going to share with local schools when we get back.

"There's no-one left from World War One, so who's going to tell the story? I think it's important that our children know about what happened.

"It's going to be a very in depth trip and there'll be a lot to tell."

Speaking ahead of their challenge, Moira Dickinson, regional fundraising manager for SSAFA, said: “We’re are extremely grateful to the Sarn Memorial Cycling Challenge team for coming up with an incredible way to remember those who lost their lives from their local villages during the First World War.

“Whilst their fundraising challenge looks to commemorate the brave men who served their country in the past, the money raised will ensure SSAFA can continue to support the Armed Forces community in the future.

“We wish them lots of luck with their challenge and would encourage anyone who passes their way to donate.”

To donate to support the Sarn Memorial Cycling Challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sarnmemorialcyclingchallenge