A hero’s welcome greeted a cyclist who rode 1,500 miles to collect cash for a good cause.

John Peet was general secretary of L’Arche UK, which builds communities with people who have learning disabilities and provides housing and work opportunities.

When he retired after 18 years he decided to raise money for the charity, with a target of £30,000, so rode to each L’Arche community, ending at Barfrestone.

Mr Peet said: “It has been wonderful to visit each community again and particularly appropriate to end my ride at the L’Arche community at Little Ewell in Barfrestone where L’Arche began in the UK in 1974.

“It has been a fantastic experience and I am indebted to all my overnight hosts for their welcome and hospitality.”

His route took him to Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Preston, Liverpool, Manchester, Brecon, Bognor Regis and finally Kent.

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/larchebigbikeride