Riders wanted to join cycle

A NATIONAL veterans’ charity set up by a former Marine from 45 Commando in Arbroath has made an urgent appeal for cyclists to take part in a major fundraising event after several dropped out.

Horseback UK, which gained the royal seal of approval recently during a visit by Camilla, t he Duchess of Cornwall, uses the event to fund pioneering work with horses to help treat war veterans suffering physical and mental health i ssues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

The annual event can raise up to £8,000 to help fund the centre that helps about 100 veterans a year, as well as children who are struggling at school.

The charity is appealing for cyclists to take part in the 54-mile route from Aboyne to Arbroath via the Cairn O’Mount on August 10.

They can cater for up to 50 cyclists but the organisers are struggling after a number dropped out.

Ian Wren, fundraising manager for the charity, has appealed for cyclists of all abilities to come forward to boost numbers on the day.

He said: “Entries were quite slow last year but we ended up with about 30 cyclists.

“We had 23 this year, but five dropped out, which is quite a big drop in numbers.”

As well as the cyclists who set off from the charity’s centre in Aboyne, two runners will also tackle the course this year. EMERGENCY services were called to the city cen- tre early today following reports of a disturbance outside the BT call centre.

Police and an ambulance crew arrived on Ward Road shortly before 1am while officers carried out inquiries.

Pictures taken near the junction with Court House Square show four police vehicles in attendance.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said there was “nothing ongoing” on their arrival but inquiries into the incident were continuing. A SERIAL abuser who bit and choked his partner during t wo d r u n ken attacks has been locked up.

Andrew Brennan battered the woman at two addresses in Angus in front of friends during boozy get-togethers.

She was left with a fractured jaw and damage to her teeth.

The violent thug was handed a lengthy jail term after previously being given non-custodial sentences for other domestic attacks.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that the pair met on Facebook Messenger and were in a relationship for a year.

Brennan, 29, and his partner were having drinks with a friend at a property in Brechin on November 23 when he carried out his first assault.

Depute fiscal Vicki Bell said: “An argument broke out and the complainer attempted to calm the accused down.

“He grabbed her hair and repeatedly punched her two to three times to the face.

“She could not push him off and