THREE Gwent police officers set off on a gruelling 130-mile cycle ride on Saturday to raise awareness about the disappearance of a Gwent man.

The three men, who admit they are not seasoned cyclists, travelled 130 miles from Raglan, the home of Mark William Shaw, 26, to Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire, where his car was found abandoned.

Mr Shaw's family were at the starting line to lend the men their support.

Mark disappeared from his home on March 22 and is believed to have made his way to the Whitesands Beach car park, where his vehicle was found.

The organiser, Sergeant Mike Gray, led PCs Nigel Richards and Eddie Roberts on the mammoth trip, which was due to end in Whitesands Bay yesterday.

The Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which were both involved in the search for Mark, will both receive donations from the event.

The massive search operation also included police, coastguards and around 30 RAF personnel.

Monmouth police sergeant Mike Gray said: "This is an ideal way of keeping Mark's disappearance in the spotlight, as well as showing our appreciation to the organisations involved in the search.

"If we can raise some awareness about Mark's disappearance, then every mile will be worth it."

Anyone with information on Mark's disappearance can call Gwent Police on 01633 838111.