A WAR veteran is drumming up support for a soldier who is appealing against his controversial murder conviction.

Royston Brett, who served in the Parachute Regiment between 1988 and 1993, has been cycling around towns in the borough and throughout the north west carrying a ‘justice for Sergeant Alexander Blackman’ flag.

The marine was sentenced to between eight years and life imprisonment in 2013 for killing an injured Taliban soldier.

The case will be looked at by the Court of Appeal in London next month.

Royston, from Golborne, a passionate supporter of a nationwide campaign calling for Sgt Blackman’s release from prison, said: “It’s really good that people in the borough and wider north west get behind the campaign.

“People have been coming up to me and saying ‘this is what needs to be done’.

“I hope I can drum up support and get people thinking and let his family know in this difficult time that he is thought of.

“It’s important for him to know he is in our hearts and he has got backing from this area.”

The 44-year-old has campaigned in Leigh, Wigan, Liverpool, Warrington, Bolton, Bury, Salford and Preston, with a trip to Chester planned for tomorrow, Thursday.

He is cycling from Warrington to Rugby on February 5, then to Luton the following day before heading to London for the court appeal on February 8.

Royston will be joined in the capital by other veterans and armed forces bikers supporting Sgt Blackman’s bid for freedom.

The appeal was launched after a petition for the Brighton-born Taunton soldier’s release was signed by more than 100,000 people and discussed in Parliament.

Royston is also trying to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on his whistle stop cycling tour.

It is a common disorder for veterans haunted by the horrors of war, with Royston being a sufferer himself.

He said: “Soldiers who suffer do not talk about it.

“I would love more soldiers to talk about their situation and to let them know there are people out there who can help.

“I have used cycling as a release. When I am cycling I am at peace.”

With a long journey to London ahead of him, Royston is hoping to attract sponsors to fund kit and a service needed for his bike.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring him should e-mail royston42@outlook.com.

For more information about the campaign visit justiceformarinea.com, search for ‘JusticeformarineA’ on Facebook or follow @justiceforbigal on Twitter.