WHEN Sandy Balls Holiday Centre received a call for help from the British Army it pulled out all the stops.

The call came from Lieutenant Toby Hood, who worked at Sandy Balls cycle centre before joining the Army in 2004.

He approached the New Forest centre to assist with a charity bike ride in war-torn Afghanistan in aid of the British Limbless Servicemen's Society (BLESMA).

BLESMA, which is a national charity, promotes the welfare of those who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of the armed forces or auxiliary forces.

Without hesitation Sandy Balls rode in with the immediate donation of a raft of cycle helmets and saddles to ensure comfort and safety for the riders during the 24-hour cycle fest.

The bike bonanza, which took place at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, was a huge success and the team of four riders managed to raise £1,200 for charity.

Tracey Farmer, for Sandy Balls, said: "I was delighted when Toby approached us to support this worthwhile charity and we were only too pleased to help. As Toby used to work in our cycle centre, the donation of equipment was the obvious choice.

"The 24-hour ride was split between four riders, with each spending their fair share of time on the bike. I hope our donation was welcomed and put paid to any symptoms of saddle-soreness!"

Sandy Balls, which is set in 120 acres of private park and woodland at Godshill near Fordingbridge, plays host to over 65,000 guests each year.