A MAN with respiratory problems has set himself a challenge of completing a 40km ride on an exercise bike.

Allan Christian, who is a member of the Lifestyle fitness suite, at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is the secretary of the Breath Easy group based in Bishop Auckland.

The 65-year-old wants to complete a 40km non-stop ride on an exercise bike to raise money for his group, as part of British Heart Foundation's Breath Easy week.

Mr Christian's charity bike ride will take place on June 13 between 11am and 1pm.

Donations can be sent to Bishop Auckland Breath Easy, c/o Breath North, The Green, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, NE28 7PB.