An Upminster man is cycling the length of Britain to raise money for a local charity.

Bernie Kipping, 45, from Upminster started his Lands End to John O’Groats challenge on Saturday (September 8) and the 966 mile route is due to take him nine days.

The challenge is the equivalent of running nine consecutive marathons, burning 4,000 calories a day.

He has already raised more than �9,000 for the Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service (HBBS).

Bernie said: “I’m incredibly grateful and overwhelmed the generosity of people who have donated I’m hoping by the end of the challenge I can tip �10,000, I know that means that the children’s bereavement service can support a further 20 local children.”

The charity has set up a new page on its website to support him called ‘Where’s Bernie’ to track his progress.

Lizzie Allen, from the charity, said: “We have been overwhelmed at the charity not only by the amount of money Bernie has raised but by his commitment, he has been training for twelve months for this challenge.”

To make a donation to Bernie’s page go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/BernieKipping or to follow his progress go to www.hbbscounselling.org.