HUNDREDS of bikers rode from Brecon to Cardiff on Sunday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Numbering over 400, with 150 pillion riders, the cavalcade stretched along the A470 before arriving at the Falklands National Memorial in Cathays Park, Cardiff, where they laid a metal poppy wreath to commend the memory of 258 fallen in the 1982 conflict.

British Legion members, along with veterans and dignitaries laid wreaths during the Sunday lunchtime service, attended by First Minister Carwyn Jones and Brecon’s mayor Ieuan Williams.

Drew and Jules Hore, of Brecon, helped organise the event with Wreath of Respect organiser Dougie Bancroft.

The trio hoped to enlist 258 bikers – one for each of the fallen in the Falklands – and raise money for a permanent memorial to be placed in Peace Garden, Brecon.

“It was brilliant and well supported by the bikers, businesses and people of Brecon. We can now start work on the memorial in the Peace Garden within the next three weeks,” said Mr Hore, a veteran.

“I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported us; so many locals lined the streets to see us off. It was a brilliant event.”

The memorial will feature a bench and stone depicting scenes from the Falklands conflict, with most of the materials being donated or sourced locally.

John Coulthard, of the local British Legion chapter, laid a wreath in honour of a friend, Phil Currass, who earned the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his involvement in the Sea King disaster of 1982.

“It was amazing to ride with so many bikes, and so many people for such a well-run event,” said John.

“It was a very uplifting moment, and was excellent meeting people, many of which I haven’t seen for a good few years.”