A BUS driver has broken the £2,000 fundraising mark as he builds up to tackling a fundraising fitness challenge.

Gary Nicholls, 53, who lives near Church, will be cycling 500 miles and walking the national three peaks within five days at the end of August.

He is looking to raise £7,500 for charity with the challenge, and has managed to break the £2,000 ahead of the event.

The main source of fundraising has been a charity football match and family fun day at Darwen’s Anchor Ground.

From Wednesday, August 30, he will be attempting to cycle from Fort William to Caernarfon and walk Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

The grandfather-of-three said: "Over the last few years I have been trying to get fit, but it has never worked out very well. Then 18 months ago I came up with this ridiculous challenge"

Money raised will go towards Alzheimer’s Society, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team and Veterans in Communities.