CLITHEROE estate agent Bill Honeywell swapped his property portfolio for pedal power and cycled the length and breadth of the country to raise money for charity.

Bill took two weeks off work to complete the 965 mile trek from Lands End to John o'Groats and in the process raised nearly £6,000 for Christie Hospital in Manchester.

He undertook the mammoth bike ride after the sister of a friend developed breast cancer.

The 50-year-old chartered surveyor, who has an office in Castlegate, Clitheroe, and lives in West Bradford, cycled alone.

But he had constant back-up from wife Valerie and brother-in-law Alan Breckell, who travelled in a motorhome.

Apart from a tender Achilles heel during the second week Bill reported no major problems.

"A bike with at least some suspension might have been a better idea.

"But I managed to do the whole route without falling off.

"I am a keen cyclist and really enjoyed the trek.

"It was well worth the effort and I'm glad to have raised a princely sum for Christie," he said.