SOLO cyclist Jeff Snell has completed a round Britain trip of more than 2,000 miles after being inspired by his father's battle with cancer.

Mr Snell set off from his parents' house in Shildon, County Durham, in mid-June to cycle to John O'Groats and Land's End and back to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The 29-year-old decided to tackle the gruelling challenge after his father David was diagnosed with secondary cancer of the liver, which is incurable.

He returned home after completing 2,219 miles, to a hero's welcome by friends and proud parents David and Joyce.

His father, the former headteacher of Henknowle Primary School and chairman of New Shildon Residents' Association, said: "We are really proud of him. We were amazed when he first said that he was going to do it. We have had a map up at the Salvation Army Hall to keep track of where he has been.

"It has generated quite a lot of interest, with people coming up to us and saying where is he at today?"

Jeff said it was a lonely trip at times and gruelling in the heat, but he was spurred on by text messages of support and phone calls home.

He said: "It was the support of people that helped me get round. They were always texting and ringing me. There was many a time when I just wanted to go home."

It is hoped the journey will raise more than £3,000 for the charity, and he is now waiting for the money to come in.

David said: "There are sponsor forms all over the country, and people have been putting envelopes through the front door with money in. The support has been amazing."