A Middlesbrough Evening Gazette photographer has reached the first goal in his charity cycle challenge – by raising £1,500 in one month.

Chief photographer Doug Moody, (47), has signed up to take part in the China Bike Ride, organised by learning disability charity Mencap.

It involves cycling from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square – a distance of 395km.

The event will take place in May and before he can take part he has to raise raise a minimum of £2,500 in sponsorship – with £1,500 to be raised by March.

But just a month after starting his fundraising push, Doug (right) has already reached the £1,500 target and has also received another £500 worth of pledges to be paid if he completes the journey.

Doug said: “I would just like to thank all the people who have donated money to me.

“I’m amazed how quickly I’ve got to this point. I’m hoping to raise it all by Christmas, and anything after that will be a bonus.

“The staff here have been brilliant. I got almost £800 in three hours by just taking my sponsorship form around the office.”

The trip begins on May 24 next year and lasts for nine days, which includes five days of cycling.

And Doug has already begun training, working out at the gym every day and enlisting the help of world-class cyclist Peter Smith.

Doug said: “The training has been a bit difficult with the weather but I’ve not been doing badly.

“I’ve been for four reasonably long trips out on the bike and Peter came out with me on a 13-mile ride and gave me lots of tips.”

Doug is still looking for sponsors. If you would like to help him you can contact him at: [email protected] or ring him on 01642 245401.