A STOKE Prior woman is 'turning' her hand to a new task in a bid to raise cash for the Royal British Legion.

Mary King, from Foley Gardens, can usually be seen gracing the woodturner's workshop at Stoke Heath-based Avoncroft Museum at weekends but she has now got a ticket to ride in aid of the legion's Poppy Appeal.

Mary is taking part in the legion's annual Bike to Brussels sponsored cycle which sets off from south London on Thursday week.

She will join 60 other cyclists on the 225-mile trek which will take them through Pas de Calais and Flanders before finishing at the Parc de Cinquantenaire in Brussels.

Cash raised will go to the Poppy Appeal which funds the legion's resettlement and welfare work.

Mary, a council rights of way officer, said: "I only began training a few weeks ago but I've always enjoyed cycling. I was a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) and now I'm the standard bearer for the Worcestershire and Cheltenham branches, and I'm a legion member so I'm keen to raise at least £400.

"I'm hoping to lose some pounds in weight as I raise pounds in cash."

One way the legion can help is to offer advice and practical assistance on mobility issues.

Many ex-service people who apply for a vehicle to improve their mobility require one solely for outside, which cannot be supplied under government or local health authority schemes.

Mary is currently looking for sponsorship to help raise her minimum target of £400.If you can help, call her on (01527) 836863.