1610 fitness trainer Ryan Hall takes on the challenge of a lifetime with a 1,000-mile charity cycle across the UK starting on Saturday.

When 23 year old Ryan sets out on his gruelling 1,000 mile cycling challenge from Land's End to John O' Groats he will be inspired on the trip by the special challenge of his friend and fellow football coach who is facing his own personal battle with cancer.

Ryan from Bradworthy who works at Holsworthy Leisure Centre is planning to cycle the length of the country over 14 days to raise money for an Oesophagus Cancer charity after his friend, 58 year old Robert Moores, contracted the disease.

The two men coach football together in Holsworthy and Robert is a regular member of Holsworthy Leisure Centre.

As well as raising money for OCHRE — Oesophagus Cancer is Everywhere—Ryan will also be raising funds for the Wooden Spoon, the 1610 charity of the Year — a rugby-based charity which helps disadvantaged children.

Ryan is no stranger to fundraising or sports challenges, he said: "I am raising money for OCHRE, Robert who helps me coach football in the community has been recently diagnosed with the Oesophagus Cancer and I wanted to do what I can to help with the treatment for this terrible disease.

"Last year I raised £2000 by putting on a Swimathon at Holsworthy. The money raised went to the new chemotherapy ward at North Devon Hospital at Barnstaple but with further community support this year I would like to raise even more for these two worthwhile charities."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.