A STOURBRIDGE cyclist is gearing up for his most testing charity ride yet - to help children and young people with autism.

Andy Tomkins, who lives in the Old Quarter, will be taking part in the Manchester to London Cycle Challenge on Sunday September 4 to support Ambitious about Autism.

The 220-mile challenge will see up to 300 riders set off from the Manchester Velodrome at dawn - taking in the Peak District, Midlands and the Chilterns en route before winding up at Ambitious about Autism’s TreeHouse school in London.

Riders must choose to represent the North or the South in a friendly competition to discover which region will record the lowest average ride time - and for the past three years the South has won by a small margin.

Andy, a 51-year-old father-of-two who is a member of Hotchillie Cycling Club and Rapha Cycling Club, said: "It will be super hard cycling - it would be nice to beat the South though and make them finish in Manchester next year.

“I just hope I do my bit in raising some money for this great cause. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and raising money for Ambitious about Autism."

The national charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, runs a range of services and campaigns as well as providing information, training and support to help children and young people with autism.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Andy can do so online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewTomkins1

Although now a seasoned charity rider - Andy says four years ago he "couldn't cycle up Sugar Loaf Lane without a break".

These days he cycles around 300k a week - around Clent, Droitwich, Worcester and Evesham - and he has completed 14 international events including the Hotchillie Cape Rouler in Cape Town, South Africa, and events in Majorca, France, Belgium, Italy and the infamous Paris-Roubaix twice.

This year saw him take on the popular Wolverhampton to Aberdovey ride, the Cotswold Classic and a ride from London to Brighton and back again  - all for cancer charities - and a few weeks ago he completed his third Hotchillie Alpine Challenge which covered 400k and over 10,000 metres of climbing in three days in temperatures of 38 degrees.

He's also gearing up for his third Hotchillie London to Paris ride which covers 503k and arrives in Paris the day before the Tour de France.

Until now, however, Andy - who is a global account director for LED light manufacturing firm British LED in Halesowen - hasn't dared to take on the gruelling Manchester to London Cycle Challenge which he says is on his bucket list.

He said: "My longest event has been 130 miles in South Africa so this 220-mile challenge is a huge step up."