Mansfield police officers use pedal power to raise more than £1400 in honour of an injured soldier.

The team from Mansfield Woodhouse took part in a day-long bike ride, held in Tesco, Chesterfield Road South, on Saturday 13 April.

It was organised by PC Stephen Hunter who wanted to raise money for military charities after his friend Lance Corporal Alec Waters, 26, lost both of his legs in an explosion while on tour in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Waters was conscious as the explosion saw him lose his right leg and much of his left foot. He was immediately taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and after five operations, he is receiving rehabilitation treatment at Headley Court, a specialist unit in Surrey.

PC Hunter teamed up with soldiers from the Rifles Regiment and decided to raise funds for SSAFA - the charity for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their families, and the Care for Casualties Appeal

He said: "The SSAFA has really helped Alec and his family so I wanted to do something especially for them and also assist the Rifles with their own causes. On the day we cycled a total of 260km at an average speed of 30km/h and we raised £775.16 which has been split between both charities.

"It was a great effort from everyone involved and I am so grateful for all of the support as I know Alec and the charities will be too."

PC Hunter has also raised more than £600 for the SSAFA though a justgiving site and is appealing for anyone who can spare any spare money to help him make his £1500 target.

To sponsor the team visit

http://www.justgiving.com/mansfieldwoodhousepolicecycle