A CYCLIST is gearing up for a journey from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Stuart Hurst, from Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, aims to cycle the length of Britain to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

He will begin his journey tomorrow from Land's End, in Cornwall, and spend the next 16 days making his way to the most northerly point of mainland Britain, John O'Groats, in Scotland.

He hopes to cover an average of 60 miles a day.

Mr Hurst, who works for waste management company Sita, in New Herrington, Sunderland, said: "I've cycled from Inverness to Chester-le-Street before. That was a couple of years ago.

"I haven't done as much training as I feel I should, I've just fitted it in when I could. So I'll just have to get out in the morning and do what it takes."

Mr Hurst has also organised a charity football match, which takes place on Friday at Ouston recreation ground, near Pelton.

He hopes to raise about £2,500, which will be used to support the work of 70 Marie Curie nurses within the district.

Linda McDonough, from the charity's Chester-le-Street base in High Chare, said: "I'm just so thrilled to have somebody who's given up so much time to raise the funds for the charity."

To sponsor Mr Hurst, call 0191-382 3311.