A TEAM of soldiers, joined by Oxford United staff, are back home following a mammoth 800-mile journey along the Western Front of the First World War to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Four soldiers cycled in to the Kassam Stadium to a standing ovation in time for the Yellows first game of the season at the weekend after taking part in the epic challenge.

The team, which included United staff such as chairman Darryl Eales for some parts, set off from Belfort in France on Wednesday, July 27, and in turn travelled along the same route The Ox and Bucks Regiment would have throughout the war.

Corporal Paul Ingham, Warrant Officer Danny Hirst, Captain Josh Conway and Corporal Jamie Dudding took on the route in memory of a fellow serviceman who took his own life after battling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cpl Ingham, from Wantage, said: "The first few days of the ride saw mountainous terrain and rolling countryside from the French/Swiss border which was hard on the legs and tested our mental resolve to keep going.

"The weather was kind to us with little wind and not too much heat but in days three to five the weather turned windy unfortunately not to our gain.

"Days six and seven were the hardest with heavy rain all day with our GPSs failing and phones getting wet we had to come up with a plan to ensure we completed the days route.

"When the team rode over Westminster Bridge it was very emotional we had made it through London and also we knew we had nearly finished this epic journey of endurance, remembrance and reflection of fallen comrades."

The Oxford Army recruitment centre co-ordinator added: "Upon our finish at the Kassam Stadium the team were met by the club and our families who were relieved that we made it with only a few scrapes and cuts from minor falls.

"However our ride had not finished. The team rode in the next day to deliver the match ball for the first game of the season when Oxford United played Chesterfield resulting in a 1-1 draw."

The challenge, dubbed Run to Recovery, was raising money for Combat Stress and Oxford United’s Community Sports Trust and so far has pulled in more than £5,000 online.

Combat Stress is a national charity which supports ex-servicemen and women suffering mental health problems associated with their service.

The Oxford United Community Trust will also benefit from the challenge as a local charity working with groups across the community to tackle inequalities.

Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales said: "What the team achieved was remarkable, riding 800 miles in nine days.

"I was more than happy to join them for three of the days, and although it was tough it was also enjoyable because of the camaraderie.

"It was for two great causes and that made it easier to keep going when the legs started hurting and the going got tough.

"We are already discussing another ride next year."

To sponsor the team donate by texting RRCT22 £amount to 70070 or see campaign.justgiving.com//charity/oufc-youthandcommunitysportstrust/r2rcycle