A cycling enthusiast is hoping to raise £10,000 with an alternative stag do - by cycling 320 miles to his wedding.

Andy Farrin and eight others - including his 74-year-old dad - will embark on the mammoth journey from Kingsnorth Road in Ashford on Sunday.

The mixed-ability group is expected to arrive in Woolacombe in North Devon on Wednesday, giving them plenty of time to prepare before the big day on Saturday, May 11.

Mr Farrin has previously completed the London to Paris and London to Brighton rides, explaining his choice of wedding procession which the group is calling ‘Ride to the Bride’.

It is hoped the challenge will raise £10,000 for three charities which focus on dementia, breast cancer and mental health - all of which have affected the group’s loved ones.

The groom’s step father and great auntie passed away last Christmas from dementia, and the bride’s aunt and a close family friend have both been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year.

A JustGiving page set up three months ago has already received more than £4,000, with sponsorship also coming from Ashford businesses.

Best man Richard Fagg, who will be taking part in the ride, said: “I’m not really looking forward to the ride.

“I’m looking forward to it for the principle, but that sort of endurance challenge is always going to be tough.

“It’s a tough challenge but that’s what it’s all about.

“We’re fit and able-bodied but there’s obviously a lot of people who aren’t - that’s who we’re raising the money for.”

“For me and a couple of the others - Gary and Andy - we’ve done quite a bit of cycling, but for the rest there might be 40 hours of cycling practice each.

“I’ve told them they shouldn’t take this challenge too lightly, but they say they are fit enough already. We’ll soon find out.

"We all just want to do our bit to help support the incredible charities and the great work they do."

For more information, visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ridetothebride

For more quirky and unusual stories, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford