A TEENAGER has returned home after cycling across Africa to raise money for charity.

Damian Jason, 19, rode 1,200 miles through rural Namibia and Botswana to help developing communities and conservation projects.

Supported by homeless charity Centrepoint, Mr Jason joined the team for a month on the first leg of the journey.

He said: "It has been such a challenging and eye-opening expedition - the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

"To visit Africa and raise money for people who are in more challenging circumstances than the ones I have faced has made me appreciate so much more all the things that I have in my life and how fortunate I am."

He had to carry all of his kit, including clothes, food, water and a tent on his bike.

The expedition will continue to cross seven countries over four months and travel some 5,000 miles through 20 rural conservation projects along the way.

The expedition was in aid of the work of Tusk Trust, which initiates and funds conservation and community development programmes across Africa.

Prince William launched the cycle ride in April.