AN ARTIST and teacher from Otley has set off on a 1,000-mile fundraising ride.

Shane Green, whose public sculptures include the heritage trail carvings on Otley Chevin, is cycling from John O' Groats to Land's End for Martin House Children's Hospice.

Mr Green is head of art and design at Prince Henry's Grammar School, which has chosen the hospice as its charity.

He began the ten-day challenge yesterday, accompanied by five friends from Leeds University Cross Country Club, at the northern tip of Scotland.

Donations to support the ride can be made at justgiving.com/Shane-Green3, where Mr Green has written: "If it puts a smile on your face to picture me grovelling up and down the country on a bike in England and Scotland's unpredictable weather, gathering aches, pains and saddle sores, please donate to this really worthy cause... then I cannot drop out and get the train!"

The artist, who is carrying his own kit the whole way, is aiming to reach Land's End on August 5.