A soldier is embarking on a 650-mile cycle to raise money for his former Moray primary school..
Sergeant Robert Humphreys moved to Rothes when he was eight, after his parents purchased the well-known Eastbank Hotel on its High Street.
The 35-year-old remained in the region until he was in his late teens, and his forces career took off.
Although his work has allowed him to be stationed all over the world, Sgt Humphreys said he still has a special place in his heart for the picturesque village where he grew up.
He intends to break down the difficult journey by cycling approximately 110 miles every day for six days, in an effort to amass thousands for Rothes Primary School.
He will begin the challenge from the Speyside settlement on Sunday, August 14, and will finish at the Deepcut army barracks in Surrey.
Sgt Humphreys has chosen to culminate his charity cycle at the English base because it is where he began his forces career at the age of 17, and where he is currently stationed.
Although he will be cycling alone, he will receive support and encouragement from his wife, Diana, who will follow behind him in a motor packed with bicycle equipment and essential supplies.
The fitness fanatic hopes to raise £2,000 for equipment to aid pupils at Rothes Primary School and Blackdown Pre-School in Deepcut.
Sgt Humphreys said he had chosen to fundraise for the schools as he knew firsthand how important small village primaries are to their local communities.
He said: “I have decided to invest my time into fundraising for two small but important primary schools, who would appreciate funding to support their delivery of education.
“I have been somewhat dismayed that larger charities always get supported, to the detriment of other smaller local communities that also need some assistance.”
The lessons the soldier learned in Moray while growing up extended beyond the classroom, and have stayed with him later into life.
He began boxing training as a youngster in Elgin, and improved on his skills while in the army to such an extent that he became a forces boxing champion.
Local firms including Walkers Shortbread and the Speyside Cooperage have backed the cyclists’s crusade by donating hundreds towards it already.
For staff at Rothes Primary School, Sgt Humphreys’ act of generosity will help mark a landmark year.
Pupils gathered for a celebration of its centenary during a special assembly last month, where they reflected on the efforts of pupils past and present.
In the weeks leading up to the bash, pupils eagerly read up on the history of the Speyside school and on the day itself they put on a show highlighting its heritage.
To donate to Sgt Humphreys’ charity cycle, people can visit his justgiving page at
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Humphreys-CharityCycle