Keighley News editor Malcolm Hoddy has embarked on a 560-mile marathon cycle challenge.

He is ‘piloting’ a tandem with a Natasha Hudson, who is partially sighted.

Malcolm, (60), and Natasha, (32), are part of a 35-strong team cycling from Bradford to its twin town of Hamm in Germany, and back to raise money for Bradford Disability Sport & Leisure.

Malcolm did a similar ride last year to raise funds to help special Olympians in Shanghai – one athlete from his circulation area coming back as a world powerlifting champion.

This year the aim is to raise money to set up a cycling club for the disabled in Bradford and Keighley.

He said: “This time I am going as a support rider. I have cycled for most of my life, but had never ridden a tandem. I took lessons and we are ready to go.

“I have done some daft things in my time but this is going to be the toughest. We have two consecutive 100 mile days. But of course it is going to be an even bigger challenge for Natasha.”