Six hardened cyclists arrived in Falmouth this week after a gruelling journey that saw them cover 600 miles in just five days.

The team of serving Royal Engineer Commandos were cycling from St Nazaire in France to the Operation Chariot memorial on the Prince of Wales Pier.

They undertook the charity ride in memory of the famous St Nazaire Raid and to raise money for the Royal British Legion and St Nazaire Society.

Event organiser, Warrant Officer Richie Hines, described the route as “challenging” but said the reception the group received in Falmouth and St Nazaire made it all worthwhile.

“It was really nice,” he said, “we have had the mayor of Falmouth here and at the other side we had the St Nazaire society president.”

The people of St Nazaire “think very fondly of Falmouth” thanks largely to the successful raid of March 1942 that put the German-held dry dock there out of action for the rest of the war, Richie said.

“By doing this sort of event it brings it back to everyone’s focus,” he added.

“And I think a lot of people, certainly children today, don’t appreciate how these events changed the world.”

Almost £3,000 has been raised by the Ex Chariot Challenge team, but they are aiming to raise a total of £10,000 for their chosen charities. Some of the money will also go towards a memorial wall at the Royal Marine Barracks in Chivenor, Devon to pay tribute to the 64 Commandos who lost their lives during the St Nazaire Raid. Packet readers wishing to make a donation can visit virginmoney.com/team/ex-chariot-challenge