A CYCLIST is taking on a 500-mile charity challenge and holding a sponsored car wash in Worcester to help raise further funds.

Mark Tandy, from St John's, is hoping to make it from the Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower and raise £1,500 for the National Kidney Research fund.

To bring him near to the total, he has soap, sponges, buckets and plenty of volunteers at the ready to wash vehicles outside Pete's Plaice in Broadway Grove, St John's, this Saturday.

He has already raised a massive £1,200 for the charity and he hopes this event will swell funds further.

"We are aiming to cycle about 70 miles a day from Blackpool and reach Paris within the week," said Mr Tandy.

"I've been in training by cycling from Worcester along different circular routes to Malvern and Droitwich.

"I was a bit nervous before, but now I've put in the extra training, I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Pete Djiallis, from Pete's Fish Shop, is donating £1 for every car that is washed during the day.

Anyone with a dusty motor in need of a summer clean can turn up at any time between 11am-3pm.