TWO intrepid Cotswold cyclists are all geared up to take part in the Help for Heroes bike ride.

Fleur Chant, of Great Wolford, who is a Royal Naval reservist and ex- cavalry officer from the Royal Hussars, and Simon Merton, of Cherington, are setting off to join 300 others on a 350-mile journey around the Normandy and the Picardy countryside on May 26.

To take part in the challenge they needed to raise £2,500 each. So far Fleur, aged 34, has raised £3,800 and 49-year-old Simon, with the rest of his team, named the Five Fat Cavalry Officers, has raised £45,000.

Simon said: “We cavalry officers were all commissioned in 1981 and have remained close friends ever since. We have all been through many good and testing times together. Nearly 30 years on we wanted to remember the good times but also reflect on those that are now serving and have been badly injured in various recent conflicts.” He said the route goes to Dunkirk where there will be a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the evacuation. Fleur, who owns her own clothing business, said: “I am very excited and have been training hard. I can’t wait to get there.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor them can do so on line. For Fleur, go to bmycharity.com/fleur chant – or visit justgiving.com/fivefatcavalryofficers to sponsor Simon.