A PENSIONER from Berrow is peddling his way to Greece during a gruelling 1,500 mile charity cycling challenge.

David Steel, 60, sets off on the cycle ride of a lifetime on Saturday morning.

The first leg of his ten-day trek will take him from Berrow, near Pendock, to Portsmouth, catching the ferry to Normandy.

He is then travelling 750 miles across France, into Italy, passing Mont Blanc, Parma and Modena, towards the southern port of Ancona.

The final stage of his journey is the most taxing, the last 40-mile stretch climbing 1,400 metres from sea level up to the Mount Pelion ski resort, before curling down to the finish at Aghios Ioannis.

His effort will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Mr Steel hopes to raise as much as possible in sponsorship.

He said he had recently been taken with a compelling urge to do something worthwhile for charity.

"I've done quite a bit of cycling here and there and I've been in training," he said.

"I really like Greece, so thought if I was going to do this, I might as well choose somewhere nice to end up in."

He added: "I chose Macmillan because it provides immediate support for people with cancer, when it is most needed.

"There are many worthy charities out there but Macmillan really does brilliant work, I couldn't do what they do."

To pledge money contact Mr Steel on 01531 650992 or call the Macmillan fundraising office on 01527 892540.