A Ledbury doctor is to tackle his second coast-to-coast cycle challenge in a year, on behalf of charity.

But it will be no thanks to thieves who stole his mountain bike from his home just weeks before the latest challenge.

Dr Rob Davies of the Market Surgery rode 138 miles across Britain last May, from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to Sunderland, on the East Coast, raising money for St Michael's Hospice and the Kosovo appeal.

This year, from May 19, he will have just two-and-half days to travel the 210 miles from Cardiff to Caernarfon, mainly on minor roads.

This time, Dr Davies will be riding with 12 other Herefordshire doctors on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis charity.

He said: "I've got around £200 in sponsorship already. I hope to raise perhaps £400."

The local GP is not confident that his blue Stumpjumper bike, stolen on May 1. will be returned. But he is hopeful that insurance will cover the cost and he will be able to get a new bike in time.

He said of the group he will be travelling with: "I love cycling and there seems to be a group of GPs in Herefordshire at the moment who are really into cycling too. We like to go out once a month, all over the county."

However, Dr Davies will be the only doctor from Ledbury in the pack.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him or make a donation, should call in at the Market Surgery for further details.