A MAN will cycle around 23 war memorials to raise funds to send veterans back to the Normandy region.

Eric Howden, 59, of east Cleveland, will be met at all 23 locations by Normandy veterans, where a small wooden cross bearing a poppy will be laid as an act of remembrance.

Mr Howden will start his sponsored bike ride on Saturday, May 15, with his first visit to the cenotaph at Grangetown at 9.30am.

He will then cycle to South Bank for 9.35am, Ormesby at 9.55am, Smiths Dock Park, Normanby at 10.05am, Eston at 10.10am, Lazenby at 10.20am, New Marske at 10.50am, Marske at 11am, Saltburn at 11.15am, Skelton at 11.35am, North Skelton at 11.45am, Brotton at 11.55am, Carlin How at 12.05pm, Skinningrove at 12.10pm and Loftus at 12.30pm.

At Loftus, there will be a short break for refreshments and to hold a salute at the cenotaph to RSM Stanley Hollis, the only man to be awarded the Victoria Cross on D-Day.

Mr Howden, who is cycling on behalf of the Redcar and District Normandy Veterans Association, will then continue via Liverton to the cenotaph at Moorsholm for 1.35pm, Lingdale at 1.55pm, Boosbeck at 2.05pm, Guisborough at 2.25pm, Dunsdale at 2.35pm. Dormanstown at 2.50pm and finishing at Redcar Cenotaph at 3pm.