PEDAL power helped to raise more than �1,000 for Help For Heroes after a 38-mile bike ride from Aldeburgh to Wattisham yesterday.

The fundraiser is part of a raft of events being held by the Mill Inn pub in Aldeburgh, which is aiming to collect �10,000 for the charity.

Dennis Peel, the pub’s landlord and one of the ride’s organisers, said he was thrilled that 20 people took to the saddle. He also singled out two youngsters and their father for special praise.

Mr Peel said: “Two children, Libby and Luke Gregory-Smith, aged eight and nine, finished in the first group, which was absolutely astounding.

“Their father Andy had his leg amputated 10 months ago through illness. He finished half-an-hour behind everybody else, but was determined to finish.

“People signed up for the ride as it was a good cause. It turned out most were strangers, but they looked after each other on the way.”

The riders reached Wattisham Airfield where members of 653 Squadron had laid on a curry and some beers for them. They also put an Apache helicopter on show for the children.

Mr Peel said the bike ride raised �1,200 for the charity, which helps soldiers badly wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He decided to start fundraising for Help For Heroes after going to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham to see some of those injured during the war.

Mr Peel said: “There are so many people coming back without any mention. I thought that we have go to do something for them.

“With the way it is today money is tight, but we have got to think of these guys who are still coming back without arms and legs, and with other injuries. It’s very important to remember them.”

If you would like to contribute to Mill Inn’s fundraising send a cheque to Aldeburgh Help For Heroes, c/o the Mill Inn, Aldeburgh, or log on to Help For Heroes at www.helpforheroes.org.uk.