LOCAL MP Simon Hart 'got on his bike' to help raise money for the Poppy Factory.

The event was organised by the Industry and Parliament Trust and saw participants cycling for 10 minutes at a time, reaching a total of 280 miles - the equivalent to cycling from the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Charity Cycle Ride followed an industry visit for MPs to the Poppy Factory in Richmond organised by The Industry and Parliament Trust, an educational charity dedicated to providing parliamentarians with a unique insight into UK business.

Mr. Hart said: "I was delighted to be able to be able take part in this activity and it fitted in well with joining in the Remembrance Day services later in the week at Narberth and Pembroke Dock."

Since 1922, The Poppy Factory (formerly the Disabled Society) has employed wounded, injured and sick ex-service personnel in its factory, and in recent years has expanded its work to facilitate employment of wounded, injured and sick ex-service men and women throughout the UK. The Richmond Factory itself employs 47 members of staff, who are responsible for the manufacture of poppies, wreaths and Remembrance crosses in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

Melanie Waters, CEO, the Poppy Factory, said: "Ex-service men and women have a fantastic work ethic, are disciplined, trustworthy and used to performing within a team. Many have qualifications that are invaluable for companies today. However, an injury or delayed illness can shatter their lives. We want to help them regain their self-respect and confidence in order to earn a living, so that they can feel a valuable member of society again."