A SUFFOLK postmaster has set himself a daunting challenge to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Will Clarke

A SUFFOLK postmaster has set himself a daunting challenge to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Dave Thornton will embark on an arduous 277-mile bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for the Royal British Legion in September.

Mr Thornton, a retired soldier of 23 years service who now runs the post office in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, is currently spending the majority of his spare time in the saddle to get into shape.

The four-day challenge will take around 200 riders from London to Calais on the first day; from Calais to the town of Abbeville on the second day; on to Beauvas on the third day and then finally to Paris on the final day.

It will be the second time Mr Thornton has completed the challenge in which riders have as little as five hours sleep inbetween 80-mile rides.

“It is a tough ride but I have been getting some excellent miles in with the West Suffolk Wheelers (cycling club) and I feel good,” he said.

“We have been covering 50 mile days and they have really kept me motivated. It can be tough but they pull you along just by being there.”

Mr Thornton is expected to raise at least £800 in total but if you would like to sponsor him you can contact Rougham Post Office on 01359 270201.