Michael Beard, editor of The Argus, is to take part in a bike ride from Brighton to Paris to mark the 50th year of The Argus Appeal.

The newspaper boss has volunteered to join a team of around 50 cyclists who annually ride from Brighton to Paris in August, and has begun training for the event.

He will also be writing in-paper and online updates on his preparations in a bid to encourage readers to sponsor him on the challenge.