A CYCLIST is gearing up for a charity bike ride in Africa to raise money for orphans.

Phil Roden, from Wolsingham, County Durham, will cycle 255 miles through Tanzania in October to raise money for the International Childcare Trust.

The charity provides shelter, food, healthcare and education to vulnerable youngsters in Africa and Asia, who have been left orphaned by disease or conflict.

It is not the first time Mr Roden has taken part in international bike rides to support charity.

In December, he was part of a cycling team which raised £150,000 after a five-day ride in India.

Five years ago, he took part in a gruelling seven-day 2,000km motorbike ride through southern India, raising more than £200,000 for the wildlife organisation WWF, the UK-based Rainbow Trust, and the Pain and Palliative Care Society in India.

To sponsor Mr Roden, call 01388-527717.