Long hike of military fundraisers

Seven Gloucestershire-based soldiers were marching through Wiltshire on Wednesday as part of a bid to raise cash for charity.

The men from 29 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, based in South Cerney, have all served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

They are hiking for seven hours a day wearing full combat kit, each carrying a 30lb (13.6kg) backpack.

The comrades will be joined by two civilian friends to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

Joining Capt Alan Tindale are Capt Dean Hammett, Capt Dave Groce, Staff Sgt Geryn Jones, Sgt Eric "Fletch" Fletcher, Warrant Officer (First Class) Billy McLean and Warrant Officer (Second Class) Dean Morgan.

Civilians Phil McDermott of Worcester Medals and John Gracie of Gracie Framing are also on the mission.

The first marathon began on Sunday at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in South Cerney.

Other marches are taking them through Dorset, Somerset, and Birmingham, before they return to South Cerney next weekend.