JAMES McLaren, 29, from Bradworthy, has completed his 4,000-mile cycle across Europe, beating the previous record by more than a week.

Mr McLaren has submitted all his evidence to the Guinness Book of Records to have his record recognised after he completed the journey in an impressive 29 days and 18 hours, more than seven days faster then the previous record holder.

Mr McLaren currently lives in Bideford but was born and bred in Bradworthy. He attended Hartland Primary School, Budehaven and the comprehensive school and North Devon College, and is an ex member Bideford Athletic club, who he ran with for several years.

He set off from Ufa, Russia and cycled his way to Cabo Da Roca, near Lisbon in Portugal.

Upon his arrival at the ‘finish line’ at 10.30pm on May 31, his mother, Sue McLaren, his brother and a couple of friends had managed to get out to Portugal to meet him.

Sue McLaren said of her son’s record breaking journey: “All in all and amazing achievement.”

His record-breaking journey from east to west Europe on a bike, raised money for Cancer Research and Living Water Africa, with sponsorship still coming in, his total currently stands at over £3,000.