WAR veteran Paul Barnsley is used to touring the world but he has just added another tour to his C V.

Paul served for 12 years with the Royal Artillery touring war zones including Bosnia and Iraq.But the 46-year-old can now add the Big Battlefield Bike Ride to his list of achievements.

The fundraising event, hosted by the military charity Help for Heroes, required extensive training including cycling 100 miles a week.

Mr Barnsley also used the gym at Chavasse VC House recovery centre in Colchester every day. He had to adapt his training after suffering a back injury and he has also struggled with mental health.

Paul, who left the Army in 2001, got in contact with the recovery centre in Colchester two years ago.He said: “I’m a regular visitor to Chavasse VC House.

“Initially I saw a psychological welfare advisor who helped me uderstand my post-traumatic stress but I now attend Activity Tuesdays too.

“In particular I’ve enjoyed the scale model sessions especially painting the models, as it helps focus my mind and reduces anxiety.

“When I left the Army running was my coping mechanism. I ran nine half and two full marathons in four years.

“Running causes me too much pain now so I use the cross trainer and bikes instead. It’s all about finding what works for you and helps improve your wellbeing.”

The Big Battlefield Bike Ride started in Lille, France and finished in Arnhem. Cyclists travelled about 70 miles per day for a week with the journey punctuated with history talks and visits to war cemeteries. History-buff Paul was interested in the fundraising event because of the route but it also gave him something to aim for.

He said: “Although that part of the world is quite flat the odd hill still managed to find us.

“I’ve made some friends along the way too. I would encourage people not to be put off by the level of physical activity.”

He added: “The hardest thing for me was experiencing both a puncture and buckled front wheel all in one day which put me to the back of the group.

“I ended up in fifth place though which left everyone joking that I’d caught a bus.

“In reality the thought of lunch was spurring me on.”