Returning soldiers in cycle tour

The infantrymen have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

About 20 soldiers are marking their return to the UK after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with a charity cycle ride across four South East counties.

The infantrymen from the 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment departed from Dover on Monday morning to ride 90 miles a day for five days.

They will cycle around Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire before returning to Dover on Friday.

They are raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The regiment, nicknamed "The Tigers", is the infantry regiment for the South East, and recruits from the four counties, as well as London, Middlesex, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

Victoria Cross

The 1st Battalion is the most decorated infantry unit in the British Army following three tours of Iraq.

Lance Corporal (then Private) Johnson Beharry became the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in 40 years for his exceptional bravery after his convoy was attacked in Al Amarah in 2004.

The cycle team will pass through Rochester, Aldershot, Farnham, Portsmouth and Crowborough.

"Exercise County Tiger" is taking place ahead of eight homecoming parades being held for 1st Battalion between 11 and 18 July.

They begin in Worthing, West Sussex and include Portsmouth, Southampton and Romsey in Hampshire, Guildford, Surrey, Lewes in East Sussex and Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury in Kent.

L/Cpl Beharry will be at the parade in Tunbridge Wells on 17 July.