A LLANDOGO man is setting out on a cycle ride of 1,000 miles to raise money for the restoration of the village war memorial.

Cycling around the county, Martin Woodford will cover 1,000 miles over 10 days. Starting off by travelling between Chepstow and Monmouth three times, he is planning a variety of routes that will take him through towns across the county.

Mr Woodford, who started cycling in 2009 at the age of 51, has previously cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, and has been training for the challenge by taking part in various competitions.

“I’ve competed in events of 100 miles in a day, but never for 10 days in a row,” he said.

The ride is in aid of the village’s war memorial which is starting to show signs of wear and tear, with evidence of damage to the lettering from years of exposure to the elements. The money raised will go towards sending the monument to a stonemason for restoration, in a complex process that could cost up anything up to £10,000.

The cycle ride is one of many steps in a process to restore a former green space. 18 months ago, the village green was overgrown, having been previously used as a ploughed field. A committee was established to oversee the restoration of the area and, relying only on donations and the help of local volunteers, the green has been transformed. Levelled and turfed, with the area previously overgrown with trees cleared, a green space has emerged for the village to be proud of.

Money has been raised from local fundraising, including quizzes and a fashion show, of which all the proceeds have gone to the fund to restore the green.

The next step is to restore the monument, but Martin is keen to explain that all money will be used to improve the area, and that the committee will keep the fund for the future if necessary.

“Any extra funding we earn will be used for other ways to improve the village green, with the option for paved areas and potentially more benches.

“It’s whatever the villagers want. We wouldn’t have been able to do it with local people giving their time and money.”

For more information on the challenge, or how you can donate, send and email to:?mwood

[email protected] or call the Sloop Inn, Llandogo on 01594 530291