A FIREFIGHTER is to brave the wind and snow later this week as he starts a 1,500 mile journey by bike to southern Spain.

Kevin Errington, who is based at Darlington fire station, is undertaking the ride in aid of SOS Children's Villages which helps youngsters in Africa.

He is doing the ride solo, with no supporting vehicles, and carrying what he can on his bike.

He said: "I wanted it to be a long way and for it to be a hard challenge to test myself. I’ve only been cycling for a few years and although I’m reasonably fit the truth is I have never cycled further than 100 miles and have never done it day after day. I truly don’t know how it will go but I find that unknown element exciting."

Mr Errington will be cycling 120 miles a day – and is even hoping to keep going through the forecast polar vortex – even though part of his route crosses the Pyrenees.

He said: "I settled on SOS Children's Villages because as a father myself its heart-breaking to think about children without shelter, love and support – they are all innocents." To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-errington or by texting SOSA71 (£1 to £10) to 70070.