A FORMER Royal Marine is revving up for a sponsored motorcycle ride in aid of a charity which cares for wounded ex-servicemen and their families.

Laurie Loveless from Hedge End, is undertaking the 500-mile trek on his Yamaha Virago 535 in August for the Royal Marines Charity.

The 71-year-old will set off from the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea on August 1 and head for Deal in Devon; once The Depot of the Royal Marines. From there he will motor across country to Lympstone in Training Center, and then to Poole, base of the Special Boat Service Base before returning to Southsea.

The former bandsmen spent 13 years in the regiment having joined as a 14-year-old in 1957. During his time in uniform Laurie learned to play the tenor sax, clarinet and violin. After leaving the service he spent eight years as a policeman before moving into the world of finance, where he still works part-time as a tax advisor.

Laurie was inspired to make his ride after talking to Major Pete Curtis, the officer in command of the Hasler Company of Royal Marines, a new unit set up to look after long-term ill and seriously injured casualties.

Major Curtis is the conductor of the Hampshire Constabulary Band, in which Laurie plays the tenor sax.

The pensioner hopes to raise £1,000. To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/Laurie-Loveless.