A GROUP of Royal Marines raised £3000 taking part in an emotional motorcycle marathon around Scotland in memory of a comrade killed in Afghanistan.

Sergeant John 'Manny' Manuel, 38, and Major Gary Giles had discussed the idea of touring the country before Manny was killed by a suicide bomber in Helmand Province.

Sgt Manuel died after a 13-year-old boy detonated a wheelbarrow filled with explosives.

He started his career at 45 Commando X Ray Company, based in Scotland, and this was where he spent most of his 20-year career with the Royal Marines.

Sgt Manuel, from Gateshead, and his comrade Cpl Marc Birch were killed at the scene of the December 12 blast last year.

Marine Damian Davies died later in hospital at Camp Bastion.

A keen motorcyclist, Manny had spoken with colleagues of his plans to tour Scotland on his beloved bike.

But now a group of 25 Marines - most of whom knew Manny personally - have raised £3000 for charities after covering 850 miles on their four day tour.

The trip organiser Maj Giles said: "Sergeant Manuel was a real character who loved his motorbike, and was known to us all.

"It seemed very fitting to raise money in memory of him, and to honour all our fallen comrades during recent conflicts overseas."

The trip began at RM Condor, the home of 45 Commando in Arbroath, and headed to the west coast of Scotland.

During the tour there was a small service of remembrance at the foot of the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, Fort William, led by Royal Navy Padre Bill Gates.

Maj Giles added: "It was a really enjoyable bike ride around the country and we would like to thank everyone who donated money to our causes, which are Help for Heroes and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust."

The bikers visited other Scottish service establishments, including HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, Royal Marines Reserve Scotland in Govan, and the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow.

Then the tour went south of the border to visit the Defence School of Transport in Leconsfield in the East Riding of Yorkshire and then the Royal Marines Reserves unit in Newcastle, before heading back towards Arbroath.