Major Craig Sutherland, aged 40, is one of three bikers from 2 Signal Regiment in York who will ride 4,000 miles across Europe to raise £20,000.

Craig, from Ecclesall, and colleagues Sergeant Yogi Welch and Warrant Officer 2 Colin Bell, all members of the Royal Signals, will visit colleagues at Signals' units all over Europe during the 12-day trip.

Each commanding officer must try to raise between £500 and £1,000 for the coffers so they can present it when the bikers pull up.

The cash will be collected through fundraising events including charity car washes, a Landrover pull, a static biathlon and a series of raffles.

Proceeds will be split between the Help for Heroes fund and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The idea was conceived by Yogi, who was inspired by actor Ewan McGgregor and pal Charley Boorman's programme 'Long Way Down'.

Charley, who has agreed to be patron of The Corps Tour 2008, said: "I am really sorry I can't be there to support what the guys are doing but I wish them all the best and good luck with their challenge."

The tour starts on April 21 and Craig, who is married to Jane, originally from Rotherham, said: "We would ask the public to give generously when they see our collection buckets.

"Businesses can help us too with sponsorship. In particular we need help with ferry tickets to Northern Ireland and from Calais to Dover."

To help email Major Sutherland on corpstour2008@armymail.mod .uk, call him on 01904 662 344, or log on to www.justgiving.com/ corp_tour or www.army.mod.uk/15brigade to make a donation.

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