A group of firefighters is hoping to finish a 870-mile fundraising bike ride this week.

Terry Rea, of Rose Street, Sheerness, set off on the trek from John O’Groats to Land’s End on Wednesday.

He is taking part in the challenge with his White Watch colleagues from Plumstead fire station – Rob Gourley, 34, also from Sheerness and Roy King, 54.

The cycle is in memory of fellow fireman, 49-year-old Alan Thomas.

The dad-of-four lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on November 20 last year so his friends decided to raise money for the Ellenor Lions Hospice in Northfleet where he was cared for.

Mr Rea, 40, said the group had hoped to reach a target of £3,000 and this has already been smashed – with donations totalling around £7,000.

He also thanked friends Ray Burt and Ty Milward for the invaluable support they are providing by driving the riders to their accommodation, doing laundry and supplying food.

The group has been posting regular progress updates on Facebook and say it’s been very hard work with almost constant drizzle and the wind in their faces.

However the scenery is beautiful and it is hoped they will finish on Thursday, although this could extend to Friday.