Cycling enthusiast and town and county councillor Graham Newman is riding 60 miles on the prom – 15 circuits between the southern end of Martello Park to Cobbold’s Point in the north and back – in aid of BASIC Life and The Laydens Community Café.

East Anglian Daily Times: Felixstowe mayor Graham Newman with his wife Janet, the mayoress - this week is the Mayor's Charity Night Picture: CHRIS CARNEFelixstowe mayor Graham Newman with his wife Janet, the mayoress - this week is the Mayor's Charity Night Picture: CHRIS CARNE (Image: Archant)

He expects to cycle around five miles an hour as long as the walkway is not busy.

Mr Newman said: “This really will be a personal challenge, as it will be on a push-bike – not a battery in sight, promise! – and the furthest I’ve cycled in one outing in recent times is just 40 miles, albeit a ride on the prom doesn’t have any hills. Just bear in mind I’m older than Geraint Thomas’ and Bradley Wiggins’ ages added together.”

When Mr Newman became Mayor of Felixstowe in May he spoke about his year ahead, saying: “2018/19 will be a different type of mayoral year but I hope one which consolidates and builds upon the many aspects of our town’s growing success.

“Equally I want to focus on supporting those who have yet to be touched by that success – for instance those facing the challenges daily such as loneliness and/or ‘where is the next £ coming from’. To that end, I will be supporting two charities that make it their business to help … The Laydens Community Café in Langley Avenue and The BASIC Life Charity.”

To sponsor Mr Newman visit his Just Giving.com page

The BASIC Life Charity is a registered charity based in Felixstowe and was formed in 2000. It has two charity shops – one in Hamilton Road and the other in Walton High Street – and uses money generated by these, donations and other activities to help all in need in the local community. The group operates a food bank, community events and donates financial assistance to individuals and groups in need.

The Laydens has been running more than two years after standing empty for some time since its previous use as the WRVS Meals on Wheels kitchen ended. Run by a

Community Interest Company which was given the building by Suffolk Coastal District Council, it runs a community cafe as well as other activities to benefit and support residents in the area.