A former local press journalist is preparing for some saddle sores when he cycles across Central America next month.

Stan Arnaud, who now works in public relations, is hitting the road in Panama on 6 February where he will cycle more than 420 miles through Costa Rica to Granada.

The 45-year-old will be joined by more than 50 other cyclists for the eight-day marathon adventure to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

During his career as newspaper reporter Stan worked for papers in Aberdeen, Derby, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the Glasgow offices of several national titles.

After a spell as the Press and Journal’s chief reporter in the Highlands he moved into PR.

He said: “I lost my mother to cancer in 2008 and my father in 1992.

“Macmillan gave tremendous support to them and to us as a family during their illnesses and I want to give something back through undertaking this challenge.

“The recent winter weather has made training for the challenge interesting.

“I’m not sure if pushing my bike through snowdrifts on the back roads of Ross-shire is the best preparation for the hot and very humid conditions we are expecting in Central America, but it’s certainly helped counteract the effects of the mince pies and other temptations of the Festive Season.”

Stan is well on his way to reaching the minimum sponsorship figure of £3,500 having collected over £3,350.

To sponsor Stan visit justgiving.com/stanarnaud.