An inspirational soldier who lost both his legs in Afghanistan is to tackle a 3,051-mile charity cycle ride next month.

Steven Arnold, a staff sergeant with the Royal Engineers, is one of eight injured servicemen taking part in the coast-to-coast Race Across America (RAAM) for Help for Heroes.

The 32-year-old, originally from North Lynn, had both legs amputated above the knee after he was wounded in an explosion last year and will compete in the gruelling race using a hand bike.

'The RAAM will give me the chance to prove to others and myself what I can achieve,' he said. 'The training has been hard, but it has been great to have something to focus on.

'Help for Heroes has helped me and others get back into an active lifestyle which is vital for our recovery'.

The team completed a 355-mile cycle ride across England on Saturday a part of their race preparations. They set off from Lowestoft at 8am and finished at St David's Head in Pembrokeshire 24 hours later.

'The practice ride went really well and it was great to get the whole team together for the first time. In America we will be crossing The Rockies, so it was good to get some practice in Wales.

'They say hills kill hand bikes! Technique is very important and if you get in the wrong gear it's over, even on the flats.'

Staff Sgt Arnold was hurt in a bomb blast while on operations in Afghanistan in April last year and joined the team in November.

His wife of 12 years, Lisa-Marie, had been more worried than usual before he had left.

'I had been on six or seven tours by this time, but being on the search team she knew what was involved and was more nervous that usual. She had a bad feeling about it and didn't really want me to do it.'

Staff Sgt Arnold, who attended King Edward VII School, is currently recovering at Headley Court in Surrey after being admitted for the seventh time.

The team hopes to raise �100,000 in sponosrshipf or the charity.

Text RAAM to 70900 to donate �5 or leave a donation at www.bmycharity.com/battlebackraam2012. You can also keep up with the latest news from the team via Twitter and Facebook.