A fearless father is excited to get “back in the saddle” to complete his 1,250 mile journey across the UK.

Chris Dixon, who lives in Potters bar, has already completed the first part of his challenge - and is looking forward to cycling the other 800 miles across England.

The 56-year-old has already raised more than £7,500 for the Open Door Appeal, to build a community centre for elderly people in Barnet.

He said: “I just can’t wait to get back on my bike, I am using the break to rest three weeks between the two parts is a long time.

“The weather has been good and it was due to rain once, but I pushed harder and managed to avoid any bad weather.

“I wrote this journey down on the back of an envelope years ago and put it away, but it’s always been there. When you see the amount of miles written down it seems a lot but when you start cycling it is not so bad."

The journey was split into two parts, beginning on April 28 and is due to finish on June 19.

Mr Dixon cycled 425 miles over five days, starting from the most southerly part of the UK in Lizard point, Cornwall, to the most easterly point in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The second part of the journey will begin this Saturday (May 28) at Lowestoft for the 800 mile stretch to Corrachadh Mor in western Scotland, before finishing at Dunnet Head, near to John O’Groats.

Mr Dixon added that the donations and messages of encouragement kept him going and is worth it for the Open Door Appeal.

The Open Door Appeal is a charity run by the John Trotter Trust supported by Christ Church, St Albans Road, Barnet.

In March 2012, the appeal were able to buy back the building that once served as the original place of worship and school for Christ Church.

Their aim is to restore the building, so it can open and offer facilities for older members of the community.

To date, the appeal has raised in excess of £1m, but an estimated amount of £145,496 is still needed.

In 2001, he took on an 847 mile cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats and decided to do it again this year.

Mr Dixon has created an online blog for supporters to keep updated with his challenge.

You can view the blog at nswe2016.wordpress.com and to donate visit mydonate.bt.com/events/chrisdixon.