A BASINGSTOKE businessman has set himself a challenge to Pedal to Paris in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Russell Cole, known as Rusty, of Rusty's Bike Shop is supporting the Royal British Legion through a host of fundraising events.

His Justgiving page reads: "I’ve been wanting to do an extraordinary challenge for a while and having grown up in France the idea of cycling through the French countryside has always appealed to me.

"So knowing this, and knowing me too well that if I didn’t sign up now I never would, my lovely wife has signed me up to the Royal British Legion’s Pedal To Paris in September 2021!"

While the main event is still a few months away, Rusty has already raised more than £900, completing a 24-hour spinathon on Monday to kickstart his fundraising.

Posting on Facebook, Rusty said: "The generosity of the community is unbelievable! We have had donations from walkers, cyclists, those passing by in cars and even busses."

From his front garden in Chineham, Rusty cycled on a static bike, with cycling merchandise on sale for the cause.

To support Rusty's Pedal to Paris, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/rustysbikeshop-pedaltoparis21

Born out of the desire to help others get cycling during the pandemic, Rusty’s Bike Shop is a small home-based bicycle repair shop.

For more information, visit: @RustysBikeShop on Facebook.