SIX years had passed since his last ride but businessman and former bicycle road racer Martin Waite hopped back onto the saddle for charity.

Martin, a regional manager for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, braved the elements and pedalled 75 miles from his Chalford Hill home to his company's head office in Andover.

The five-and-three-quarter hour ride last month has raised more than £1,300 for his firm's nominated annual charity, Breast Cancer Care.

The father-of-two has also added more than £800 to the same cause through two clay pigeon shoots.

"The ride wasn't too bad at all," he said. "It took in quite a number of steep hills, not least eight big climbs starting with Hyde Hill in Chalford.

"That was the worst as I wasn't at all warm.

"Luckily, I had no aches or pains the next day but it was tiring as I was cycling into a head wind most of the way."

Caught by the biking bug once again, Martin is now planning a bigger event for next year - a Lands End to John O'Groats relay.

Anyone who wants to make a late donation in aid of Breast Cancer Care should contact Martin on 07801 471786.