GLUTTON for punishment Simon Dale is preparing for his own Spanish Inquisition later this month when he visits the grave of the first martyr.

The 39-year-old aims to raise £2,000 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice by undertaking a gruelling 600 mile cycle ride across northern Spain.

His journey - from ancient Pamplona in the mountainous Navarra region to Santiago de Compostela in he north west of the Iberian Peninsula - will take up to eight days.

Money raised from his journey along the El Camino de Santiago, the route associated with the word 'pilgrimage' by Christians of the Middle Ages, will go to the Hospice.

At one time half a million people a year visited the burial place of Santiago (St James) who is the patron saint of Spain and the first Christian martyr.

Simon said: "The terrain's a bit lumpy and by the time I've finished it'll probably feel like the end of the earth, but the Hospice is an exceptional cause.

"Training has gone well and I've been trying to fit in a few hills whilst cycling between work and home in Burscough and I'll be carrying as little luggage as I can get away with. I just hope I'm able to sit at my desk when I get back!"

Anyone interested in sponsoring Wigan Council employee Simon can contact him on 01942 705540 or 07977 047129.