He is already part of the chain gang, and now Hertsmere's mayor is calling for others to join him pushing on the pedals in a major charity bike ride.

Cllr Paul Morris is organising the Borehamwood to Paris ride in May 2014 to raise money for the Langdon Foundation and The Ben Kinsella Trust.

Hundreds of others are joining him on the trip and he aims to raise £30,000 in sponsorship money.

This weekend, mounted an electronic cycling machine in Tesco, Shenley Road, to raise awareness for his trip.

He said: “If I can do it, anybody can. It’s something that’s fun and easy to do and everybody can get involved.

“Cycling opens up a whole lot of new dimensions. You get to see part of the countryside you’d never see if you were just flying past in a car. It’s just beautiful.

“It’s a unique idea and I’m looking forward to raising the money for the two wonderful causes. I had a lot of fun cycling in Tesco this weekend.”

The 189-mile challenge will take riders along the banks of the Seine, past the Palace of Versailles and through the French countryside before crossing the channel back to Borehamwood.

Some will meet the cyclists at the Houses of Parliament on the last leg of their trip, to take part in the event.

The ride will be held from May 2 to 5. To book a place, visit www.challenge.uk.com