AN endurance cyclist from the region has announced plans to tackle a gruelling 3,000 mile race for charity through extreme conditions.

Chris Hopkinson wants to finish the Race Across America (RAAM) in under 10 days - and raise money for the Fraja Ellie Appeal.

He faces scorching desert, wind swept plains and cold mountain weather as he crosses the US from Pacific to Atlantic coasts, stopping to sleep only when necessary.

''I want to show that anything is possible when you set your mind to it,'' he said.

The 45-year-old, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, was the first Solo British finisher of RAAM in 2005, completing the route in 11 days, 23 hours and five minutes.

The event is so tough that in the races' 30 year history, only 200 people have completed the solo version of the race.

Mr Hopkinson, who retired in 2007, came out of retirement 18 months ago with the aim of competing in this year's race which begins on June 11.

The father-of-two is currently a member of 32 Signal Regiment, Royal Signals (Northern) Band and works as a peripatetic music teacher for Durham County Council.

He hopes to raise vital funds for five-year-old Fraja, of Leeming, North Yorkshire, whose family is trying to raise £500,000 to send her to the US for treatment after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification, a tumour affecting fewer than 100 UK children a year.

Mr Hopkinson has been building up his fitness with daily 5am cycling sessions and competing in time trials and ultra-distance events in the UK and abroad.

He is current Ultra Marathon Cycling Association 24hr World Champion, having cycled over 432 miles in Sebring, Florida, USA, earlier this year.

The support crew will be made up of a chef, mechanic, two drivers and navigators, plus a couple of general helpers.

His girlfriend Jenny Bonham will be his crew chief in charge of organising race logistics.

RAAM is billed as the ''world's toughest bicycle race'', with over 250 competitors set to take on the route which stretches from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland.

Athletes race continuously day and night, on their own power or sharing the challenge with a team, and a crew of between eight and 15 people following in support vehicles with food and supplies.