GWENT fundraisers took to the roads of northern France in aid of Help For Heroes - and celebrated the armed services charity's £100 million milestone in Paris.

Emily Kembrey from Cwmbran, was among a group of Gwent cyclists who took part in the 350-mile Big Battlefields Bike Ride, in which participants pledge to raise at least £2,300 to help the charity's work with injured services personnel.

"It was my third time on the ride and I can't wait for next year,' said Ms Kembrey, 26, a teaching assistant at Wyedean School in Chepstow, whose fellow cyclists this year included boyfriend Kris Chorley, a serving soldier, his brother Tom, who is in the RAF, Steve Wyatt, formerly in the Royal Navy, and policeman Steffan Williams.

"There were about 280 people taking part this year, including some servicemen who were double amputees, and seeing them getting out there on the road with handbikes was a real inspiration.

"It was a challenge, through Normandy and on into Paris, because were doing 50-60 miles a day but we pushed each other on. In the picture I've just reached the top of a very steep hill, so I'm exhausted but elated. It was that sort of event.

"We'd finished in Paris when we heard that Help The Heroes had reached the £100m mark in its fundraising. That's incredible, and it's great to be part of it."