A DRIVING instructor is planning to swap four wheels for two and cycle from coast to coast within the space of a day.

John Rouse, of Chester-le-Street, will set off at 2.30am on Saturday from Whitehaven and aims to reach Sunderland about 14 hours later.

He said: "I've done this before over two or three days and I've always said I would do the journey in one day."

Although he works as a driving instructor by day, by night he is a regular singer in the region's workingmen's clubs.

Club members have so far helped him raise more than £1,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mr Rouse is also being sponsored by family, friends and the Durham Driving Instructors Association. To sponsor him ring (0191) 389 2586.