Phil touches down in town on ride for children’s charity

NEW ambassador for the Wooden Spoon children's charity of rugby Phil Vickery stopped off in Tavistock this week, during the TNT Great British Bike Ride

Barnstaple-born Phil, 35, the former England captain who played in three Rugby World Cups, began the 330-mile cycle from Land's End to Twickenham on Tuesday and will complete it this Saturday.

This will be Phil's first role as ambassador of the charity which is a primary beneficiary of the challenge.

Phil stopped off at Tavistock Rugby Club on Tuesday evening and left the town next morning.

Prior to embarking on the ride he said he was looking forward to the challenge and hoped to make lots of new friends and raise a good deal of cash for some excellent and deserving charities.

The army is providing professional support throughout the route.

Phil is pictured in Tavistock with fellow biker Sha Jones and volunteer supporters Paul Freestone, David 'The Fly' Millen, Lyn Gadd and army helpers Cpl Kevin Sherwood and Pte Arthur Douglas.

Picture by James Bird