CHARITY worker Mike Palfreman has set himself a gruelling fundraising challenge - following an ancient route of pilgrimage.

Without any back-up and carrying everything he needs, he plans to cycle 850kms from France to Spain, crossing the Pyrenees.

He aims to raise thousands of pounds for equipment for charity Chopsticks, in Northallerton, where he is the assistant workshop manager.

Mr Palfreman, from Langton, near Northallerton, will fly to Biarritz on May 22 and will set out on an exhausting route across the Pyrenees to Santiago.

The 38-year-old has only been cycling seriously for a year and is funding the trip at how own expense.

He hopes to raise money towards the cost of a £9,000 chopping machine for the charity, which provides work and training for adults with learning difficulties.

Mr Palfreman, who used to race motorbikes, said: "This will be the most gruelling thing I have ever tried.

"Daytime temperatures in the region can reach 40 degrees centigrade plummeting to below zero at night. Many of the gradients to be climbed are 25 to 30 kilometres long and will take up to five hours."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Palfremancan contact him through Chopsticks on 01609 777292 or 761661.