STAFF at a Kendal firm have done their bit by getting involved with a charity event by a man who shares their company’s name.

Diane Hannah and fellow staff at the Herdy Company, which is based in Yard 96, Stricklandgate, backed Steve Herd, whose nickname is ‘Herdy’, when he took on the arduous task of travelling 1,000 miles in 24 hours for Veterans In Action.

The gift company decided to sponsor a 1,000-mile bike ride around the UK after ‘Herdy’ contacted them to show off his personalised number plate which reads ‘H3RDY’.

The company then decided to dress The Royal Engineers veteran and his bike up ‘herdy-style’, ready for him to complete the challenge.

Diane explained why they got involved: “Veterans In Action is a brilliant cause which provides training to help veterans convert their existing skills into recognised qualifications to help them gain employment.

“It also organises adventurous challenges to rebuild confidence and self-esteem, and gets them involved in community work and fundraising to build links with their local communities.

“We loved the idea of the famous Lake District sheep travelling up and down the country and think squaddies will find it pretty funny too.”

‘Herdy’, who completed the challenge with 20 fellow bikers, said: “The ride went well. It was the hardest thing I have done in years, but no doubt I will get involved again in someones madcap idea next year.”

Setting off from Manchester, they travelled up to the Highlands of Scotland before turning around at Elgin, and heading straight for Kent, at the HQ of the Royal Engineers, arriving just in time to beat the 24 hour deadline.

To sponsor Steve and the other riders go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/re1000