A team of eight personnel from HMS Raleigh in Torpoint have completed a long-distance cycle challenge honouring a First World War Navy hero, while raising money for three charities.

The riders, who are responsible for training the Royal Navy’s new recruits, set out to remember Boy Seaman Jack Cornwell in the Cornwell Victoria Cross 1,000 Mile Challenge.

Young Jack was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 on board HMS Chester. Despite being mortally wounded he remained at his post until the ship withdrew from the battle and he died a few days later in Grimsby hospital.

As the youngest ever Naval recipient of the Victoria Cross Jack’s heroism is used to inspire today’s Royal Navy recruits. There are a number of memorials to the 16-year-old at HMS Raleigh including a painting of Jack, which hangs in the church.

The ride started where Jack joined the Royal Navy back in 1914 at the site of the old Keyham Barracks, in Plymouth, which is now HMS Vivid.

The first leg of the journey took the team to Chester, the name of his ship, and then on to Grimsby, where Jack died.

Riding back South the team made their way to London where the young sailor is buried in Manor Park cemetery.

The challenge completed at Cornwell Division within HMS Raleigh where the team received a warm welcome from military personnel, their friends and family. In total the group rode 1,065 miles over 12 days with just one rest day.

Team member Lieutenant Adam Wheldon said: ‘This is the best thing I have done in my 22 years of being in the Royal Navy.

‘I couldn’t have picked a better team and the causes we chose for the tour; Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.’

So far the team have exceeded their original fund-raising target of £3,000 and the current total stands at just over £4,000, with money still coming in.

Anyone wishing to donate to the team can do so online at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/CVC1000