A MAN from Basingstoke will be riding out over the coming weekend on a unique vehicle.

Martin Willows will be travelling a grand total of 1,000 miles around the country raising money for the Royal British Legion on a motorbike covered in poppies.

In addition to the poppies, there are many different signatures from sponsors and former forces members who are supporting Martin adorning the bike and his leathers.

The vehicle was on display from Monday to Wednesday, pictured, this week at Grove House, owned by Absolutely Offices in Chineham, who are sponsoring him.

The 1,000 mile route kicks off at Winchester Cathedral at 8am on Saturday, 10 November, hopefully returning in time at 8am for the service.

Martin said: “I’ve had a lot of support from the many different events that I’ve taken the bike to. While I’m not involved in the forces myself, many of my friends and some members of my family have been involved in many different aspects of the army.

“If it wasn’t for the brave sacrifices that people made, then I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

He will be taking on the marathon journey with friends Ian Rayfield and Andrew Hemstritch.

In addition to collecting donations and visiting various events, Martin has been taking a memorial book and collecting signatures and messages from people in the service and not. There are people from all around the world who have contributed to the book, including people from Chile and the USA.

This book will be available to sign at Grove House in the week after the bike ride.

To support Martin in his journey, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-willows.