Redditch reserve soldiers set off on "Exercise Winged Lion"

And, as part of their charity push, they will also ride on stationary bikes at the Kingfisher shopping centre and Redditch's Asda supermarket, as well as taking part in a "sleep-out" to raise awareness of the challenges faced by rough sleepers between July 16 and 18.

Members of the 37th Signal Regiment's squadron based in the town will be launched on their way for the "cyclothon" by Redditch Mayor Joe Baker from the Town Hall on July 18 and will then carry out a series of fund-raising and civil engagements as they pedal along their route until July 26.

They will raise cash for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and for the homeless charity Redditch Night Stop.

The regiment has squadrons in Redditch, Birmingham, Liverpool and Sheffield, with troops also in Coventry, Stafford, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham.

And each of the squadrons will be taking part in "Exercise Winged Lion", combining exercise, fitness, recruitment and fundraising.

Sgt Russ Taylor, of 54th Support Squadron, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our soldiers to do something positive for the Redditch community.

"Our soldiers thrive on a challenge and are eager to get out and make a really positive contribution to this worthy charity and to the many young people it supports.”

The "cyclothon" will visit all of the regiment's locations during the nine-day challenge, which will encompass road and mountain bike routes.

It will culminate in he rededication of the Royal Corps of Signals memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire on July 26.

The 37th Signal Regiment is an army reserve unit specialising in information and communication services and it has deployed soldiers to Afghanistan and Cyprus, as well as on support operations including the 2015 flood relief effort and the Olympic Games security team.

Reservists are paid to attend training and gain an annual tax free bounty in return for a minimum training commitment of 27 days.