AN officer at RAF Northolt will soon be taking part in the Dambusters Ride, a cycle fund-raiser organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The event consists of a virtual ride on the weekend of May 7-8 and a physical heritage ride of either 60 or 100 miles in Lincolnshire on May 14.

Wing Commander Paula Willmot, 56, will be completing the 60-mile virtual ride on her Peloton bike. She has been in the RAF for more than 30 years.

The Dambusters Ride pays tribute to the RAF's 617 Squadron, who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley in 1943. Of 133 crew who left, only 53 returned.

Wg Cdr Willmot said: “By no means would I describe myself as a keen cyclist, but I absolutely love my Peloton. I’m looking forward to feeling like I am doing something worthwhile while also staying healthy and fit.”

rafbf.org/ride