A RUMMAGE through the garage resulted in more than a few bin bags of junk for retired Phil Stevenson who he discovered an antique trike.

Now, 921 miles and a few warm baths later, Phil has vowed to keep his hands off whatever might be lurking in the garage!

For after discovering the 'wheelie', a 70-year-old tandem trike, Phil and friend Dave Goodenough decided to use it to go from John O'Groats to Lands End, raising more than £3,000 for charity.

The duo, from Garstang, spend a lot of time riding conventional bikes with Preston Weavers Cycling Club.

Phil said: "When we found the trike we knew it was the way to travel and my disabled daughter suggested we do it for charity.

"People were surprised when they saw us, and perhaps that made them more happy to cough up."

Thousands were raised for the Back Up Trust, which helps people with spinal injuries.

But things didn't run as smoothly as expected during the 19-day trip. Phil added: "We lost our back-up team halfway along and had to recruit new people.

"It was harder than a cycling trip, because the tricycle doesn't have gears and didn't free-wheel, which means we had to pedal every step of the way."

The trip could also land Phil and Dave in the Guinness Book of Records. Phil said: "We are still waiting to hear from them about it, but there is no other record for the longest journey done in a Wheelie."

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