A KEIGHLEY man who cycled 1,200 miles for a good cause in 1997 is preparing for another epic ride, this time to support Age UK Bradford & District.

On July 12 John Hanson, 60, will set off with his two sons and two friends to cycle 500 miles from Madrid to Barcelona. And he will even use the same bike he rode on 25 years ago!

Mr Hanson, who lives off Fell Lane, said: “The cycle will be totally unsupported, meaning we'll be carrying everything we need – clothing, tools, food and water.

"Temperatures in central Spain at that time of year will be reaching nearly 40 degrees centigrade, so this will definitely be a challenge.

"No donation money will be spent on expenses. We've all paid for our own flights and accommodation."

Mr Hanson's previous major cycle ride was from Keighley to Sarajevo, in Bosnia, to raise cash for the Sarajevo Fire Service shortly after that country's civil war.

“I used to be a firefighter and now work as the Over 50s Co-ordinator for Age UK here in Keighley," he said.

"I thought this would be a great opportunity to raise some much needed funds for a really important local charity."

Chief executive of Age UK Bradford & District, Mark Rounding, said: “It’s fantastic that John is taking on this tremendous challenge. We're very grateful he'll be fundraising to help us provide vital services for local people."

People can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/age-uk-bradforddistrict to support Mr Hanson's appeal.