A DARING mountain biker took on a 2,768 mile off-road trek to raise money for charity.

Lloyd Gray, 30 and from High Garrett, completed the Great Divide Mount Bike Route which starts in Canada before travelling through the USA to the Mexican border.

As part of the trip, which took Lloyd 45 days to complete, he also slept in a tent surrounded by the North American wilderness.

He said: "Getting a good nights sleep in the wilderness was difficult.

"Your imagination makes you think every rustling noise is a bear lurking outside your tent, even though its probably just a chipmunk.

"After a while though you start getting used to it and are able to relax a bit more."

The trail took Lloyd through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico in the United States, giving him a chance to take in the stunning scenery on route.

Lloyd said: "It was incredible being immersed in such isolated back-country parts of the US.

"Everyday the trail surprised me with so many amazing views of mountains, rivers, lakes and involved really fun riding

"The most hairy moment was the day I went over Indiana Pass which is around 12,000 feet above sea level.

"I left it a bit late in the day and as I neared the top it was cold, was hailing and then it started thundering and lightning.

"This wasn't ideal given I was sat on the only metallic object for miles around. "

Through sponsorship, the experienced cyclist has raised more than £1,200 for charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer, who provide bikes and sports equipment to children fighting the disease.

Lloyd said: "I am really happy to have raised so much. It gives me a huge buzz to think I'll have helped someone experience the same feelings of joy and excitement that I've had on this trip.

"I checked my fundraising page whenever I could and it was a great moral boost to see the total going up as I progressed."

Donate at: http://bit.ly/2e7qXC4.