The possibility of war with Iraq has forced an Otley fundraiser to change his 6,000 mile travel plans.

Martin McKeown left his job as a teacher in Japan and decided that the return journey home would be one to remember.

Martin, from Caxton Road, had hoped to take in the sights of 18 countries on a cycle ride through China, Thailand, Pak-istan, Italy, France and Holland.

The 25-year-old began the mammoth journey last year and hoped to travel through the Middle East.

But as the unrest grows in the region, Martin has flown from India to Turkey to carry on his trip.

Martin is trying to raise as much money as possible for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

He is expected to arrive home in April, and mum Vanessa can't wait.

She said: "I'm very, very glad that he has made the decision. At this moment in time it is really not the best time to be travelling through the Middle East."

Mrs McKeown is hoping to talk to the youngsters at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley, where Martin was once a pupil.

She said: "I understand that there was an incident up at the school this week where a boy was playing rugby and hurt his back.

"The Air Ambulance came and it just shows how important the fundraising is to keep the service going.

"Hopefully if I can go and talk to the kids they will be able to sponsor Martin as an old Prince Henry's pupil."

People can track Martin's progress by logging on to http://www.an-gelfire.com/trek/japan-uk-cycle/route.html

To make a donation please send a cheque made payable to Japan-UK-Cycle to 49 Caxton Road, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3LL.