A 63-year-old cyclist from Upton completed the exhausting 880-mile ride from Land's End to John O'Groats in just eight days.

Lester Rickard, of Brown Square, was raising money for a close friend left paralysed after a biking accident. He averaged more than 110 miles a day during the marathon effort with friend Dave Taylor, 36.

They have raised more than £5,000 for their friend and cycling companion Derrick Ashdown, who is paralysed from the chest down following a mountain bike accident around two months ago.

"It was hard work but very exciting to be taking on such a challenge," he said. "It was tough not just physically but mentally as well. You had to just focus on each day as it came without thinking about tomorrow."

The money will ensure Mr Ashdown can afford specialist exercise equipment not available on the NHS. Mr Rickard has been to see him since the ride to pass on the news.

"He cannot believe all the support he has received and it has given him a real boost," he said.

Although Mr Rickard is 63, his fitness levels would put most younger men to shame. As well as cycling, he regularly runs and swims and in April completed the 50-mile off-road Merida mountain bike event in Wales.

"I've always kept fit because I have always enjoyed cycling and I'm very pleased to have done this at my age," he said.