A LEIGH businessman is celebrating his 40th birthday by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise funds for a children's charity.

John Waterfield, MD of Waterfield's bakery, is part of a six-strong team on the epic 1,000 mile journey and they are target to raise £25,000 for ChildLine.

He hit the road a fortnight ago and should finish the marathon on Saturday.

John decided to do the gruelling bike ride because he wanted to mark his 40th birthday with a special event which also coincides with his company's 75th anniversary.

Bakery company chairman Richard Waterfield said: "They have been managing 65 miles a day and will finish on schedule."

Mr Waterfield said the team had trained for six months to prepare for the 1,000 mile ride, cycling up to the Lake District for practise.

John's team-mates are Roger Hendry, Gordon Kirkwood, Tom McCarthy, Alan Buchanan and Hamish Howarth.