Regional press journalist Bernie Friend has begun an epic three-month 6,000km cycle ride which will see him trek across eight countries.

The 35-year-old quit his job as a sports writer/sub at the Southend Echo to embark on the trip.

He spent his first night in the Dutch seaside resort of Zandvoort after getting a ferry from Harwich and then cycling 70km from the Hoek of Holland.

From there he headed to Den Helder in the Netherlands, cycling another 100km.

Bernie said: “On reaching Den Helder in the far north at 10pm, I couldn’t find anywhere to stay, but I was rescued at the last minute by, wait for it, the Bethlehem family, who put me up in their house!”

Bernie (centre) before the trip

Over the next few weeks Bernie will pass through Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway before heading for Scotland and making his way back to Southend.

He is following the North Sea Cycle Route, the world’s longest signposted coastal path.

Throughout the trip he hopes to raise money for Cancer Research, in memory of his mum and his partner’s mum who both suffered brain tumours and died within 12 months of each other.

He also plans to write a book about his adventure, called Cycling back to Happiness, and has secured a deal with publisher Pen Press.

Bernie has worked at the Southend Echo for more than ten years in three separate stints, working as a news reporter, Southend United reporter and sports writer/sub.

He has also worked for Sky Sports and The Sun, and began his career on the Yellow Advertiser.