A YORK Samaritans volunteer is taking part in a gruelling 24-hour winter mountain bike race in northern Scotland to raise money for the charity.

Graham Triggs, 25, from Tadcaster Road, is taking part in the Strathpuffer 24 cycling challenge in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday, January 17.

The endurance test sees riders aiming to complete as many laps as possible around an 11km circuit during a 24-hour period starting at 10am.

This year will be the third time Graham has competed in the event and he is hoping to beat his 2014 total of 16 laps.

His training programme has seen him going on night rides around York.

"The weather last year was pretty dry and actually not too cold, which was great, but this year I'm not assuming it's going to be the same," he said. "It could be quite a bit harder, especially if it rains.

"Snow would be okay since it doesn't usually make everything too wet and as long as you can keep warm it's really quite exciting. It can also get icy but I am getting some spiked tyres which should help a lot."

Samaritans answers calls from people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. It provides a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel.

Graham joined the York branch in December 2013 and has been a full listening volunteer since August last year.

He said: "I realised that fundraising is really important for our branch. My Samaritans training was fantastic so this seemed like a good opportunity to give something back."

Lynette Banks, director at York Samaritans, said: "All Graham's friends and colleagues at York Samaritans are very proud of Graham for taking part in such a tough challenge and, at the same time wanting to support his branch by nominating us as his chosen charity."

To sponsor Graham visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/grahamt and to find out more about Samaritans go to www.samaritans.org