SPORTSMAN Andy Roberts, Colne Cricket Club all-rounder and Preston Grasshoppers rugby player, took on the challenge of a sponsored triathlon on Saturday.

He started by swimming a mile at Pendle Leisure Centre pool, Colne, followed by a 33-mile bike ride and a ten-mile run.

Andy was raising money to take part in a Church Mission Society "Make a Difference" project.

Superfit Andy, an instructor at Natural Progression Health and Fitness Centre, Colne, was hoping to complete Saturday's gruelling event in four hours but was just beaten by the awful weather conditions, finishing in four hours, ten minutes.

He said: "I don't care about that. I finished it and that is what matters. It was really wet and windy and I am shattered."

Andy needed to raise £2,500 so that he can go on the mission, probably to Bangladesh, to help with a flood relief scheme.

He has now reached his financial target and is looking forward to the challenge.

Andy regularly attends Christ Church, Colne, and was told about the scheme by the vicar, the Rev John Priestly.

Andy added: "I have an environmental science degree so I may be able to help with an engineering project but I just don't know what to expect."

After his strenuous efforts on Saturday he was able to relax at a wine and cheese evening put on for him by the church.

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