AN emotional ceremony with a wreath laying and sounding of the Last Post will mark the end of a charity walk across part of the Western Frontline.

Colin Beesley, from Ronkswood, Worcester, served with the Royal Artillery and is joining six other veterans to take part in the 100km through France and Belgium in aid of Army Benevolent Fund.

The walk will start at the Lochnagar Crater in the Somme and finishing at the Menin Gate, Ypres where they will join the ceremony.

The 58-year-old said: "We come from across the country and different walks of life and only a few of us have ever met each other but we all share several things in common.

"We have all served in the armed forces we all belong to a social media group and we all feel strongly about our forces and veterans of today.

"We range in age from late thirties to late fifties and none of us have taken part in anything like this before.

"We are also the first joint services team to be taking part in this walk, and its also the first time members of the Navy and Air Force have been involved.

Travelling to London on Tuesday (October 6) the team have covered all the expenses for travel, accommodation, and food so all donated money goes directly to the charity to benefit those soldiers and their families that are suffering today.

Mr Beesley, who served for 12 years from the age of 16 in Germany, Northern Ireland and elsewhere, has been training most days along the Worcester to Birmingham canal footpath.

Talking about why he wanted to take part in the walk, he said: "Without the sacrifices made by men and women during that time (First and Second World Wars) where would we be today?

"The Army Benevolent Fund helps soldiers or ex-soldiers who find it difficult to transition from army life to civilian life.

"They might not be able to cope emotionally or financially and it goes to help family members not just soldiers.

"I left civilian life behind at 16 when I walked through the camp gates - and it doesn't matter if you are a soldier for three, ten or 20 years you are never, ever a civilian again."

The group have raised £3,250 but hope to reach £8,400.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by logging on to justgiving.com/ukveteransfrontlinewalk.