Veterans and members of the Whitwick Branch of The Royal British Legion - with ages ranging from 25 to 79 - embarked on the first ever Queen Elizabeth II Memorial March on Saturday.

The eight-hour walk started at Coalville Clocktower at 6am - and the 24-strong group finished at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

It was dark and raining when they starte, but the mood was positive and everyone was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The march would be mainly on country footpaths with a minimum of road walking.

A number of stops were planned at strategic points, breaking the walk down into more manageable stages.

The March started at Coalville Clocktower at 6am

The Bull & Lion at Packington, Netherseal Village Hall and The White Lion Inn at Harlaston all opened their doors to provide comfort breaks and refreshments.

The group were supported by vehicles providing safe passage along the road sections and giving the opportunity to any walkers who needed a rest to take one and pick up the walk at the next meeting point.

The group changed into Branch jackets and berets at The White Lion to walk the last three miles to the Arboretum where other members of the Whitwick RBL were there to welcome them with a round of applause as they arrived.

The walk was 21 miles in total and all walkers who started, finished.

The group then took in refreshments at the Arboretum cafe before going on to the main memorial and laying a wreath on behalf of the Branch.

It was a good day and the camaraderie and bond between the walkers was evident, all supporting and encouraging each other along the way.

Thanks must go to everyone who supported the march, provided vehicles and refreshments, and particularly to Mark Brown, Kev Blackery and Andy Cawthorn who spent many months planning and walking the route.

The march will take place again next year although earlier, in September.