A reporter on a weekly newspaper took on a mighty feat when he took part in a timed cycle challenge in the Peak District.

Derbyshire Times reporter Jon Cooper joined cyclists to take on the A4e Monsal Hill Climb time trial.

He was among 117 riders to conquer the 675 yard hill and shared his experience with readers on the newspaper’s website.

Said Jon: “Riders exchanged tips as we sought any possible advantages but the general consensus seemed to be to hang on for dear life.

“As I pushed my pedals through a wall of agony and kicked down against unrelenting, gruelling asphalt I suddenly heard the rousing cheer of spectators at the summit and lifted up and out of the saddle for one final push.

Reporter Jon Cooper took part in a time trial

“I searched for a non-existent lower gear and my body twisted and contorted as it sought any position that would offer some relief but there was none.

“I closed my eyes, gritted my teeth and was forced into a dark place of crippling, dizzying pain where my lungs cried out for air, my heart pounded from my rib cage and I threw myself over the finish line into a breathless, nauseous heap.”

Jon beat his target of 2mins 30secs with a finishing time of 2mins 27.4secs.

Well know Monsal Hill cyclist Malcolm Elliot attended the event to present trophies.