SPRINT cyclist, Olympian and Tour de France rider Mark Cavendish led wounded heroes on a ride for Tidworth-based charity Help for Heroes.

It is hoped that the Help for Heroes Hero Ride, which finished in London on Sunday, will raise £1m.

More than 1,000 fundraisers and servicemen, women and veterans, who have been wounded, injured and sick, came together in London following a week of bike rides.

Arriving at Blackheath from rides around the UK and Europe, the group cycled the final 10 miles into central London led by Cavendish and the wounded.

Making the shape of the iconic Help for Heroes medal around the Cenotaph, the cyclists paused to pay their respects to those who have fallen or been injured while serving the country.

They continued past Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to celebrate their fundraising efforts throughout the week, with speeches from co-founder of Help for Heroes Bryn Parry and former Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt.

Two rides set off from the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Tedworth House in Tidworth, over the course of the weekend as fundraisers pedalled 100 miles in two days.

The money raised during Hero Ride 2014 will be used to support the 10,535 British men and women injured or struck down with sickness during recent conflicts, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For anyone wishing to donate to the Hero Ride, text RIDE to 70900 to donate £5 to Help for Heroes.

You will be charged £5 plus your standard network rate.

The Mobile Text Telephone helpline is 01494 750 500.