AN AYR man has completed a cycling challenge from John O'Groats to Lands End, in just 10 days, for mental health charity MIND.

Craig England, who turned 30 on his journey, returned home on Tuesday, August 22 at 8pm after a 'brutal' cycle in awful weather conditions - particularly wind and rain.

But he met some wonderful people and experienced a few bizarre situations on his journey. Hill climbing and descents proved to be an imperative part of his training regime.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser, Craig's dad Eddie, said: "Surprisingly England was tougher than Scotland in particular the stretch from Bristol to Lands End.

"'Brutal' was Craig's description, where the roads and cycle paths follow the contours of the hills and not along the valleys.

"By the end of this week Craig will have raised over £1,000 for his charity MIND."

Craig previously said: "Supporting a mental health charity like ‘Mind’ is imperative to breaking down the stigma attached to mental health that we often see and feel in society today.

"Knowing that there is an organisation out there that will listen with 100 per cent confidentiality can be such a comfort for a person who doesn’t know where to turn to in times of turmoil.

“Mental health doesn’t affect any particular age group or gender. It can affect everyone.

“My challenge will push me to my physical limits but it pales into insignificance compared to someone living with a mental health issue and having the feeling that there is no-one to talk to.

“If one person sees a sign, an ad, or hears about Mind through the money that is donated then it will all be worth it.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mindcharitybikeride