A TELECOMS consultant dialled up a major personal goal by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Jeff Cartwright, 61, of Kendal, was among hundreds of cyclists taking part in the 969-mile Deloitte Ride Across Britain from the south-westerly tip of Cornwall to the north-east corner of Scotland.

Amazingly, Jeff took up the sport of long-distance cycling less than two years ago. He told the Gazette the nine-day challenge had been "gruelling and hard" but he had been spurred on by camaraderie among fellow riders and the support given by everyone from physios to cooks, baggage handlers, mechanics and behind-the-scenes organisers.

So far Jeff, who moved to Kendal from South Wales 22 years ago, has raised £485 for the military veterans' charity Change Step & Listen In. He hopes to raise a grand total of £800.

The telecoms consultant said he and his fellow riders were battered by heavy rain and high winds during their epic journey and overnight camping.

"It's hard to say you've enjoyed every moment of it," he said. "There were highs and lows, times when you feel like giving up, but the big thing for me about it all was the quality of the people - just fantastic, absolutely brilliant. Everybody has one thing in mind: get to John O'Groats."

Cycling through the beautiful Scottish Highlands and crossing the finish line were highlights for Jeff, while lows included niggling injuries to his knees and Achilles tendons, as well as the "hard, hard slog" of day six's 100-mile stage from Penrith to Hamilton along the A74.

Jeff said his late father Desmond had inspired his cycling challenges so far, which have included the Coast to Coast and the Etape Long Ness. His next goal looks likely to be an end-to-end tour of Ireland.

If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeff-cartwright2