CYCLING crops campaigner Jonny Barton takes a break in York from his mammoth protest ride.

Jonny, a teacher and part-time organic farmer in the Scottish Highlands, is riding from Inverness to London to protest against government policy on GM crops.

He is pulling a coffin to illustrate what he says will be the death of consumer choice and organic farming if large-scale GM crop growing goes ahead in the UK.

The plywood coffin, towed on a trailer, is packed with letters of support and anti-GM petitions.

Jonny, 31, said: "The coffin symbolises the seriousness of GM technology.

"This issue is absolutely crucial, that is why I am out on the bike. If the go-ahead is given for these crops to be grown we won't be able to buy GM free food in this country any more.

"I am enjoying the challenge. The weather has been fantastic and the wind is behind me. I don't want anyone to weep any tears for me."

Jonny said he received a friendly welcome in York.

Andrew Waller, City of York Council's executive member for the environment, said: "What Jonny is doing shows his conviction. The Government is trying to force the GM issue on a public that does not want it."

Jonny, who left Inverness on October 1, expects to arrive in London on Sunday.

Updated: 11:46 Friday, October 10, 2003