A MAN from Highworth will attempt to cycle across America for charity.

James Carrington, of Knowlands, Highworth, will be the only person from the Swindon area to tackle the 3,000-mile, 27-day sponsored ride.

The experience is being paid for out of his own pocket with money raised through sponsorship going to the Prospect Hospice.

"I turn 40 this year and this is something to tell the grandchildren about in years to come," said James, who works at Key Training in central Swindon.

"A traditional part of the cycling mission is to dip the wheels of your bike in the Pacific Ocean at the outset.

And 3,000 miles - and an estimated 1,200 bottles of water - later, he intends to repeat the ritual in the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey will take him through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

"My wife Sarah thinks I'm mad, though she's very supportive of me," James admitted.

"People at work don't think I'll go through with it, but it's too late now, it's all paid for."

He took up cycling about 10 years ago and is a member of Swindon Road Club. He has been training for the gruelling ride by covering 200 to 300 miles a week.

"I seem to be at work, on the bike or too tired to do anything," he said.

The event starts on April 21 and will end on May 17, which means the riders must average 120 miles a day.

To sponsor James visit the Swindon Road Club website www.swindon-rc.co.uk.