A COUNCILLOR has returned home triumphant after completing a cycle trip across America.

Durham county councillor Len O'Donnell, 69, embarked on the 3,640-mile trip from Los Angeles to Washington DC in March.

He aimed to raise money to replace some of the 35 fire engines and other equipment destroyed in the September 11 attacks, and spent most of his nights at fire stations.

The cyclist, who represents Wingate and Peterlee, made such good time that he knocked more than ten days off his estimated journey time, arriving in Washington on June 3.

Now, after enjoying a business class flight home courtesy of Virgin airlines, who upgraded him after hearing of his achievement, he is back at work at Durham's County Hall.

He said the trip was the experience of a lifetime.

"It was absolutely wonderful - unbelievable.

"I stayed at 48 fire stations, two motels, one hotel and one Scouts camp. The reception was wonderful."

Coun O'Donnell said he was surprised by the widespread interest in his journey.

He said: "There was a radio programme that followed me right across America and I appeared several times on the radio and television."

He said that, despite a few scares, he reached his destination unscathed.

"Once, I fell off at a railway crossing and there were a couple of occasions when heavy wagons went past me and I was taken off the road, but I had no injuries," he said.

Coun O'Donnell hopes to return to Washington in September to present firefighters with a cheque for the final amount raised by the Bike for 911 appeal.

Donations can be made by sending cheques to the chairman of Durham County Council at Durham County Hall.