DORCHESTER'S Phil Needham may be the wrong side of 60 but he is about to take on a challenge that many people half his age would struggle to complete.

He will be cycling from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Phil's route will see him clock up more than 1,000 miles in the saddle and he is hoping to raise £2,000 for his chosen cause.

The 62-year-old, who is setting off on his epic challenge on Sunday, said: "It's something I have always wanted to do.

"I was going to do it for my 65th birthday but my knees are getting dodgier and dodgier so I thought I'd better do it sooner rather than later."

Phil said he had been nothing more than a leisure cyclist for many years but had recently been ramping up his efforts, covering around 1,500 miles in training for the event.

He will be joined by daughter Emma as he rides through the West Country and the final leg in Scotland will see him joined by son Scott.

Phil said: "She's going to be pushing me out and he's going to be pulling me in."

Phil said it was Emma who inspired him to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society as she works closely with the elderly and has witnesses the devastating impact dementia can have on people and their families.

He said: "She has seen firsthand what a nightmare it is."

Phil said he will be covering around 50 to 60 miles a day on the ride, which is expected to take him around 20 days in total.

He said: "It's a cycle sightseeing tour as opposed to a mad rush."

Phil has already raised around £1,300 and said he wanted to thank the Blue Raddle pub in Dorchester for all its support with his fundraising efforts.

For more information and to sponsor Phil visit justgiving.com/phillip-Needham