POLICEMAN Andy Duncan has this week swopped his handcuffs for handlebars to cycle 400 miles under the sweltering Egyptian sun for charity.

Andy, 38, can normally be seen on patrol on Lancashire's motorways, but this week he is on a sponsored bike ride along the Nile which will cover almost 400 miles in just five days.

His efforts have raised more than £5,000 for Mencap, a charity which is close to his heart because he has friends with learning difficulties.

The months of gruelling training on his bike and at the gym are now over and he set off for Egypt on Saturday (March 8), well prepared for the task ahead.

But just before he left, Andy, who lives in Bispham, told the Citizen the hardest part of preparing for the trip was not the training.

He said: "I have raised £5,140 for Mencap since taking part in this project.

"It has been very hard work and very time consuming, having to telephone, fax, visit and write to all those people who have pledged money.

"That part of it was more difficult than the actual physical training. I started raising the money six months ago and I am delighted to have been able to collect so much.

"Bill Harrison of Ribby Leisure Village, Basil Newby and Brannigans in Blackpool have all been absolutely superb with their help and donations.

"I thank everyone who has pledged money to the charity to sponsor me on this trip."

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