AN Okehampton resident who took part in the Land's End to John O'Groats cycle route, has expressed thanks to all those who supported his quest to raise money for charity.

Founder of Okehampton Running Club Andy Vallance attempted to break the world record by cycling the route in less than six days and two hours.

Andy, who set off on his mission on Monday, June 1, said the scorching heats from the start affected his performance.

He said: 'On the first day the temperatures were around 26 degrees and I was riding into a headwind, which was pretty testing.

'Breaking point for me was when I reached Edinburgh and I came out in the top end in a smaller town called Perth.

'I ended up taking the wrong road and at the time I didn't realise what I had done, so continued for about 20 miles.

'It was only when I noticed I hadn't seen the support van that I phoned them to ask them where they were.

'They tracked down where I was and directed me back the right way, but it put an extra 15 or 20 miles onto my route.'

Andy said he knew at that point he wouldn't make it back in time to break the world record.

He said: 'Once I'd reached John O'Groats and realised the record was beyond me, I jumped into the camper van and came home that way.

'I am happy with what I did and the fact it's raised money for Devon Air Ambulance, but I am gutted that I didn't achieve what I set out for.'

Andy has raised more than £1,850 for Devon Air Ambulance.

He added: 'I'd like to thank Darren at Okehampton Cycles, Adventure Okehampton, Hedgerow Print for advertising and Sound in Theory for the website — and, of course, everyone who donated money.'

l Pictured above is Andy Vallance at the John O'Groats landmark