A CHEPSTOW ex-serviceman is coming through his hometown as one of 500 cyclists riding in aid of charity.

Mark Tomlins, 52, pictured, is taking part in the Deloitte ride the length of Britain, a nine-day trip from John o’Groats to Land’s End, which started on Saturday.

The event raises money for the British Paralympic Association, which last year collected £372,000.

Participants will be cycling more than 100 miles a day for nine days, travelling down through Scotland, the Lake District and coming into Chepstow on June 17.

Mr Tomlins took up cycling after retiring from the Royal Marines and plans to support the The Special Boat Squadron Association with funds from the ride.

The charity helps marines disabled during conflict and the widows of men killed in action.

His wife Joanne said the dad of two is looking forward to the marathon.

She said: “Since he retired from the Marines he’s become a fanatical cyclist and it’s a challenge he’s wanted to do.

It will be quite an achievement.”