AN artist is set to auction a painting of the only British cyclist to have worn all Tour de France jerseys to raise funds for a children's charity dedicated to medical breakthroughs.

Thirsk artist and cycling fan Robin Puplett spent a month creating the artwork for Action Medical Research after flying to Spain to meet ten-time Grand Tour stage winner David Millar in early October.

The father-of-two said he had been keen that the painting would be a collaboration with the cyclist who retired last year.

Mr Puplett said: "He did not disappoint with some great ideas and the perfect setting in which to create the scene – his personal study where he wrote his books.

"We both shared the idea of creating a portrait that focused on David Millar the person rather than the cyclist, although of course cycling is going to hold a very strong theme within the painting.

“We are also including a plethora of hidden and overt references, clues and symbols that all represent his life, passions, experiences and career.

"Some should be obvious, others less so, and some will only mean something to Millar himself, which I love as it makes the painting a truly unique and personal representation of him."

The painting will be auctioned by TV sports presenter Ned Boulting at the opening night of the inaugural Rouleur Classic exhibition in London on November 19.