A CYCLIST from North Yorkshire is planning to pedal his way across Australia to help raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

Sam Wadsworth, 31, who was born in Huby and attended Easingwold School, aims to cycle the 2,547 miles from Perth to Sydney in just three weeks.

Inspired by last year's Grand Depart for the Tour De France, which went through York, he is currently training hard, getting as many miles under his belt as possible, said his twin brother and 'PR manager' Tom.

"He clocks up approximately 900 kms per week and has completed a full iron man and a couple of marathons since being out in Australia, and runs a lot with his pet dog, Stanley," he said.

"This ride, however, will be a completely different challenge, mentally, physically and emotionally."

He said Sam would be going on the 'Lads for a Cause' bike ride with four other 'slightly crazy lads', including Stephen Potter, originally from Scarborough, who were attempting to raise $50,000 for Westmeads children's hospital in Sydney, and WellChild children's charity in the UK.

Sam, who delivered the then Evening Press as a paper boy for several years as a teenager, went to Australia in 2008 with his British girlfriend and had been there ever since, having married her in 2011 in Sydney next to the opera house.

"He is now a permanent resident over there but makes annual trips back to Yorkshire where he tries to sneak in a trip to his beloved York City," said Tom.

"He works in marketing for an insurance company; Suncorp Group Limited."

The cyclists said on their website that they would be going on some of the most treacherous road conditions, 'battling the elements over a tortuous 24 day period with no rest days or luxury team buses to be pampered along the way. '

They will be starting in Perth on Good Friday and finishing in Sydney on Sunday April 26.

*To support the cyclists, go to www.ladsforacause.com.