Weekly newspaper editor Malcolm Hoddy has completed a 350-mile charity cycle ride from Bradford to Germany and back.

Malcolm, from the Keighley News, was part of a team of 23 cyclists heading for Bradford’s twin town of Hamm in a stunt to raise money for the Lord Mayor of Bradford’s appeal.

It was also a personal challenge for the newspaperman who wanted to do something unusual to mark his 60th birthday later this year.

Along with his team mates – who also included his wife Francine – Malcolm spent six days on the road, filing an online diary along the way.

He told HoldtheFrontPage: “It was absolutely incredible.

“If there was a problem it was that it was so hot.

“It went much easier than I thought but it was a huge personal challenge.”

Malcolm arrives back in Bradford

The first stage took riders to Hull, with day two covering more than 100 miles from the Europort to Nijmegen, in Holland.

Day three saw the team cycle another 100 miles to Hamm, where a champagne reception was laid on.

After a day’s rest they headed home with a ride from Ridderkirk in Holland, to the Europort, and then from Hull to Bradford.

Malcolm said: “The worst bit was from Bradford to Hull because of the poor road conditions in the UK. Once we got into Holland and Germany everything caters for cyclists.”

He added: “I have cycled on and off for most of my life. But I have never spent so much time in the saddle on so many consecutive days.”

Between them Malcolm and his wife raised £3,000, and in total the group expect to have raised more than £12,000.

The money will go to the Bradford Sport and Recreation Association for People with Disabilities and Born in Bradford.