CYCLIST John Pritchard is just a little saddle sore after returning from the journey of a lifetime.

John, of Cleveland Road, Lytham, cycled the length of the country and raised more than £500 for the British Heart Foundation.

On June 1, John set off from Land's End, Cornwall, and 19 days later he signed in at the John O'Groats Hotel at the end of his journey.

And the 53-year-old, who has recently taken early retirement, thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

He said: "I felt great on the first day then woke up on the second feeling a bit sore knowing there was a long way to go - but it did get easier as the weather got better.

"What I enjoyed most was the reduction in pace of life. I have always wanted to cycle through the lowlands of Scotland and there is some beautiful scenery which I had the time to appreciate."

Although John cycled alone for most of the way, he was joined by two friends in Glasgow who kept him company for a couple of days during the later stages of the trip and he was met by his wife at the hotel in John O'Groats.

He cycled for an average of five hours a day and spent the rest of the time visiting places and admiring the scenery.

He said: "I met lots of people and it's great when you speak to them and tell them what you are doing and they donate money. It restores your faith in people."

John also admitted to having a pit-stop at his Lytham home on his way through the county.

He said: "I couldn't resist stopping off at home and getting a wash and brush-up before setting off on part two."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.