Soldiers will be cycling more than 4,000 miles for a cause very close to their hearts over the next few days.

Members of 36 Engineer Regiment and the Queen's Gurkha Engineers who are based at Invicta Park Barracks in Maidstone will be cycling 4,531 miles on static bikes at Fremlin Walk and the Mall Chequers from today until Sunday.

A team of 12 will be in the saddle through each day, aiming to cover up to 1,000 miles a day.

They are raising money for the Oxfam appeal for the Nepal relief effort after it was struck by an earthquake.

A number of servicemen have been directly affected by the disaster, including one who lost his brother, and several who have had family members injured or their homes destroyed.

The regiment also has seen a contingent fly out to Nepal to help with the relief effort already and a further 80 servicemen are on standby to fly out in the next few days.

Organiser Staff Sgt Sanjay Thapa, who will be doing his cycling stint tomorrow, said: "This is the regiment's effort - both 36 Engineers and the Queen's Gurkha Engineers. We are doing this to raise money for the cause.

"Quite a few of us have been affected by the earthquake, with family members injured or who have had their homes damaged."

He added that shoppers had already been showing their generosity today. He also said he was grateful to the management of both shopping centres for their support.

They will be cycling from 10am to 5.30pm at both Maidstone venues, and will also be at Bluewater shopping centre near Boots between 10am and 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The regiment is also awaiting the return of five Gurkhas who were on Everest when the earthquake struck, who were all unhurt. They had been attempting for a serving Gurkha to reach the summit for the first time ever, as part of events to commemorate 200 years of service to the Crown.

Other members will be in London next week to take part in London duties for the first time, also as part of the anniversary. They will be changing the guard at Buckingham Palace, and also taking part in ceremonial duties at St James' Palace and the Tower of London.