A FORMER headteacher from Sampford Courtenay is cycling the 39 traditional English counties in aid of cancer charity Force.

John Palmer, 63, started his challenge on Tuesday and aims to complete the 1,200 miles in 16 days.

'Two years ago I cycled from Land's End to John O' Groats for charity and this time I wanted to do something a little different,' he said. 'I have friends who are suffering or have died from cancer and it is such a major problem at the moment that I wanted to do something to help.'

Mr Palmer was head at a school in Exeter for 16 years and the city is where Force has one of its centres. The cyclist raised £1,376 during his last challenge for cancer. Anyone who wishes to donate money this time can go to the website http://www.justgiving/JohnPalmerCountingtheCounties">www.justgiving/JohnPalmerCountingtheCounties