A reporter from the Ealing Times has shocked his colleagues by agreeing to compete in a triathlon.

David Doyle has committed himself to a gruelling challenge of running, swimming and cycling 16 miles for a cancer charity.

The journalist volunteered to take part after interviewing local participants for a story for the paper.

When Team Ealing revealed they needed two more members to take part in the Michelob Ultra London Triathlon, David had a sudden urge to become more active.

He immediately put his name down and now faces a tough few months of training.

David (pictured) said: "I jumped at the chance – I just hope I don't live to regret my enthusiasm. I had had rather a lot of coffee already that day.

"I was really keen to get involved and raise money for a cancer charity. A few people close to me have been affected by cancer and some wonderful people I know aren't alive any more because of it.

"The chance to get directly involved and to use the paper to raise money and awareness for this vital cause is something I'm really excited about."

The event involves a 750-metre swim, 12-mile bicycle ride and a three-mile run.

In an e-mail pleading for colleagues to sponsor him, David added: "One problem is I am a terrible swimmer. I'm going to have to train like a maniac and even, shock horror, cut back on booze and chips for the next few months."

The Ealing Times will cover the team's training progress agead of the event on August 4.

If you would like to sponsor David log on to www.justgiving.com/daviddoyle. All proceeds will go to Ulster Cancer, one of the two cancer charities which can be supported through the event.