CYCLING more than 100 miles in a day would be a challenge for most people – but a local DJ did just that on Saturday while also presenting a radio show.

Swindon 105.5’s Dave Woods was looking to raise cash for the community station so decided to cycle the distance on a stationary bike.

The 47-year-old, of Gorse Hill, cycled a total of 105.5 miles in just under 10 hours.

And, thanks to the generosity of shoppers in Tesco, where he did the challenge, he beat his target of £1,055.

Dave has been training at Kiss Gyms for a number of months to get himself ready.

He said while it was a struggle, he is delighted to have reached his goal. He said: “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done to raise money for good causes.

"By the end of the ride I was in a great deal of pain and it was only will power and the support of the team around me that I was able to finish the last two hours.

“At the end of it I had a multitude of emotions; elated that I finished, pride at accomplishing this mammoth challenge and very emotional and overwhelmed, in fact at the end I was in tears, which I think was a mixture of pain and relief.”

Such was his dedication to the cause Dave even managed to present a programme while he was on the bike, even getting support from a cycling champion along the way.

“During the afternoon, as well are riding, I also was also co-presenting on air and had the opportunity of chatting, via phone, to Andy Tennant, the former World and European champion cyclist, which was fantastic,” said Dave.

“He was able to give a bit of professional advice how to make it to the finish.

"I don’t think many people have presented a radio show while riding on a static bike. It was certainly a first for me.”

The radio station costs £40,000 a year to keep running so the money raised will make a big difference.

Station manager Shirley Ludford said: “It is great what Dave has done and shows the dedication of the volunteers who work for the station.

"I know he has done a lot of training and the money raised will be so important.

“We often ask others to raise us money so it is good I think for everyone to see that we also do our bit.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson was there at the start and said the money raised was important to keep the station going.

He said: “This has been a fantastic effort by Dave. Swindon 105.5 is a vital community station which not only serves the people of Swindon but also helps to build the skills and confidence of those who volunteer there.”