WHILE some people try to lose a few festive pounds by joining the gym in January, one determined cyclist is taking his fitness regime to the next level.

Nick Court, of Todenham Road, in Moreton, has challenged himself to cycle a minimum of 4,545 miles during 2014 - the equivalent of cycling to Dallas, in Texas, or up and down the coast of Australia.

The father-of-three, who works as a computer games producer, is hoping to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK as well as getting fit in the process.

In order to complete his mammoth challenge by the end of the year, the 46-year-old needs to cycle just over 100 miles a week.

“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “I’ve started cycling last year purely so I can get fit. I’ve set this goal to force myself to go out and do something and hopefully raise some money at the same time.

“I wasn’t a fit person, I got on the scales last January and was 16 stone. I think the challenge I’ve set myself is going to be one that really pushes me to go for it rather than something that’s easily achievable.”

Over the next year, Mr Court is planning on going for four or five rides a week around the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Cycles, in Moreton, is supporting him by providing free bicycle servicing.

He has already lost a stone-and-a-half in the last year and hopes to lose even more weight as his challenge progresses.

To sponsor Mr Court visit justgiving.com/Nick-Court1.