Chippenham music teacher Pete Williams is organising a group of former Melksham Air Cadets who want to raise £2,000 for charity by recreating the bike ride they did 23 years ago.

The 15 friends had lost touch after many had moved away from the town.

But after reuniting via Facebook they decided to tackle the 100- mile, two-day journey for a second time next weekend, in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“What started off as a passing comment on Facebook has grown into something much bigger,” said 40-year-old Mr Williams.

“We’re attempting to ride the same route, with the same guys, same overnight stop, and in my case, on the same bike.”

On the 1987 ride all 15 cadets took part, and five have agreed to ride this time, including one from the USA.

The ride will start in Melksham Market Place, through Bradford on Avon and Warminster before camping in the beer garden of the Boot Inn near Tidworth.

On Sunday the team will cycle through Marlboroug ding back to Melksham.

One of the riders, Karl Gerrish, will finally have the chance to complete the journey after having to withdraw from the original ride when he broke his collar bone in a fall.

Many of the cadets from the original journey will join the team on the Sunday for a reunion and to pose for pictures.

Mr Williams said: “Only two of the original team, James Read and Rachel Glover, have not yet been contacted.

“If anyone knows of their whereabouts we’d be delighted for them to join us for the photo on the Sunday.”

Mr Williams, a self-employed music teacher, said: “We’re doing a lot of training at the moment.

“It’s hard work but it’s definitely worth it. It’s going to be good for lots of reasons. I reckon I’m probably fitter now than I was 20 years ago.

“We’re hoping to raise £2,000 – we’d like to keep to that target. We think it’s a really good cause.”

You can sponsor the cyclists at www.justgiving.com/RAFBF or contact Peter Williams on (01249) 652248.