AN ex-serviceman is to take on a charity motorcycle ride this weekend on a new state-of-the-art Harley Davidson.

Paul Carter, 52, will join the Ride to the Wall event, which sees thousands of motorcyclists gather at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordsh-ire, to remember those whose names are engraved on the walls of the armed forces memorial.

Earlier this year, Mr Carter, of Sefton Close, Altham, raised thousands on a 2,000-mile ride around Eng-land’s police and Army headquarters.

Preston Harley Davidson are lending him their latest bike to take part in Saturday’s ride, and he will set off for Stafford-shire early on Saturday morning, before returning that evening.

Mr Carter, who spent 30 years in the army and prison service, said: “The Ride to the Wall is a great event which gets bigger every year. This year they are expecting 20,000 people to ride to Staffordshire and to do it on a Harley Davidson will be fantastic.

“My partner’s father is over from America, and he is a British Navy veteran, so they will be travelling ahead in a car. It should be quite emotional.”

Pete Davey, 75, has lived in America for over 40 years, but previously spent 14 years in the Navy. Mr Carter said: “I’m really looking forward to the ride, especially on the Harley Davidson. It will be great to experience that.”

This weekend’s ride will raise funds for the Royal British Legion and money can be donated at www. justgiving.com/BluesandGreensrbl