Whitwick Royal British Legion are taking part in an eight hour walk of almost 20 miles to the National Arboretum Memorial in Staffordshire - and named after the late Queen Elizabeth II.

A group of more than 25 people - some in their 70s and 80s - are expected for the march this Saturday as an act of remembrance in what is the first to be organised by the North West Leicestershire branch.

The route takes them from Memorial Square in Coalville at 6am, across to Ravenstone to Hospital Lane, cross country to Packington, around Willesley and onto Donisthorpe, Acresford (A444 crossing point), Netherseal, Lullington, Edingale,Harlaston then A513 to NMA.

It is 19 miles in all and will take eight hours in all with rest breaks - and will be known as the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial March.

Mark Brown, one of the organisers of the walk, said: "The background is pretty simple really – we wanted to carry out an act of remembrance that involved a little more than our usual parade and service.

"So the idea was 'pinched' from our Royal Legion members who are Legion Riders.

"The Riders ride their motorcycles to the Arboretum each year to perform an act of remembrance in October.

"The 'Ride to the Wall' event has just taken place for 2022 with over 7,000 riders participating.

"We wanted to march to the Arboretum instead and lay a wreath from the Whitwick Branch.

"Then we proposed the idea to the Branch Committee and membership where it was taken up enthusiastically. Unfortunately our Sovereign passed away and we decided to name the march in her honour.

"The route and rendezvous points have been three months in planning.

"At the moment, we have 26 marchers, five support vehicles, three rendezvous points, plus the Arboretum itself.

"The marchers are drawn from all services including two submariners, one Ghurka, Gunners from the Artillery, Engineers, Cavalrymen, Infantry, Royal Anglians – local regiment, Yeomanry (Volunteer Forces), Royal Air Force.

"The age range – youngest participant is 25, some of our eldest are in their 70s and I believe one is over 80 - falls mainly into the age group 52 to 66.

"Almost all have served their country for a number of years and qualify as Veterans."

The rendezvous points are at: Bull & Lion Inn, 48 High Street, Packington, Leics LE65 1 WH; Netherseal Village Hall, 88 Main Street, Netherseal, Derbys DE12 8DB; White Lion Pub, Main Street, Harlaston, Staffs B79 9HT.