PEDAL power brought back keen sportsman Tom Blundell to his former home in Rishton on a journey of a lifetime.

And his mum, Barbara Blundell, of Howard Street, was thrilled to see her son when he stopped off during the 424-mile charity cycle ride from his home in Dorchester to Edinburgh.

Tom, a 47-year-old shoe shop owner, was brought up in Darwen but spent his early 20s in Rishton.

He is making the epic bike ride on his way to watch England and Scotland's Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield and raise money for SPIRE, a charity for people seriously injured playing rugby.

Even though Barbara is proud of her son's achievements, she admits she was a little apprehensive when he first suggested the cycle ride.

"It worried me no end that he was cycling all that distance," she said.

"But Tom has always been a keen sportsman. He's an avid Blackburn Rovers fan and last Easter cycled up to watch them play Manchester City. Rovers lost so he's hoping Saturday's game goes England's way."

Tom has been pledged over £1,500 for his cycling efforts.

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