A broken chain and an aversion to cycling for the past three-and-a-half decades could not stop a regional daily’s editor from completing a 40-mile trek for charity.

Neal Butterworth, of Bournemouth title the Daily Echo, took part in the Dorset Macmillan Bike Ride.

He wrote: “It’s a wonderful event, meticulously planned for the hundreds of riders that take part.

“I was riding in memory of my Dad, who died 18 months ago, and he was there with me for the three-and-a-half hours it took to complete the ride.

“Hopefully, he would have excused the excessive swearing as I tackled the hills.

“Barely seconds after cutting the ribbon to send the mid-distance riders on their way, I hastily jumped on my bike and snapped the chain.

“As the 40-milers disappeared into the distance, the support team swung into action and had me chasing the pack in a couple of minutes.”