BUS driver Carl Thompson aims to travel about 500 miles on his summer break - but it won't be a busman's holiday.

Mr Thompson, 50, of Langley Park, near Durham, is a driver for Arriva and set off on a sponsored bicycle ride to Edinburgh to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

On Saturday, he left the Board Inn, Hilltop, Esh, where he has been sponsored by regulars.

His journey will take him along the National Cycle Route network and includes the Lanchester Valley Walk, the Coast to Coast and the Castles and Coast routes.

Mr Thompson, a keen cyclist, hopes to raise more than £500 for the charity following the death of his father, Billy, from cancer.

He estimates his journey will cover more than 440 miles but said: "I'll be finding somewhere to stay each night and that could take me five or six miles off the route.

"I'll be doing 50 or 60 miles a day, but I do a lot of cycling each day.

"I live at Langley Park and bike into Durham every day, and also do ten to 20 miles up to Waskerley.

"Fifteen years ago I cycled to Bournemouth and did 120 miles a day, so 50 miles a day should be easier.

"I have said the trip will take eight days, but I might take ten depending on the weather.

"Everybody is affected by cancer one way or another, and with my dad dying I thought it would be a good charity to support."

Mr Thompson said he had received good support from his colleagues at Arriva's depot in Durham.

He has taken a collection tin with him for donations on the way. Donations can also be made at the Board Inn.