A photographer at the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette is planning to take part in an epic charity bike ride.

Doug Moody has signed up to take part in the China Bike Ride, organised by learning disability charity Mencap, which involves cycling from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square – a distance of 395km.

Doug said: “I saw a poster about the event and have always wanted to go to China so I thought it would be a good way to go, take some pictures and raise money for charity at the same time.”

The 47-year-old chief photographer has already begun training for the event using a cycling machine at his local gym, and he is planning to get out on the open road with the help of local charity Middlesbrough Environment City.

Its Cycle Task Force has stepped in to help the would-be adventurer and has lent him a bike, and promised to carry out all the maintenance on the bike that he needs.

Doug has also enlisted the help of world-class cyclist Peter Smith, who he met at his local gym.

He said: “When he heard what I was going to do he said he would show me how to ride for long distances.”

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

Doug has to raise a minimum of £2,500 in sponsorship to secure a place in the event and so far he has been promised about £1,000 in sponsorship money.

The Evening Gazette is also helping out in various ways, including helping Doug to contact local businesses and publishing articles on his progress.

If you would like to sponsor him you can contact him at: [email protected] or ring him on 01642 245401.