Award-winning football referee John Cavender is swapping his whistle for wheels to take part in a charity cycle ride.

In November John hopes to achieve his goal by completing a 350km bike ride from the foothills of the Himalayas to the banks of the River Ganges, finishing in front of the Taj Mahal.

He is raising funds for people with learning difficulties and is appealing for the public to help him raise the £2,500 needed to take part in the event.

All-round sportsman John, 46, of Calver Avenue, Keighley, has been voted the town's top football referee for the last two years. He's played rugby for the army, been a cricket umpire and will play cricket for Haworth this season. He's a former player with Timothy Taylor and Trico football clubs.

He decided to raise the money for Mencap after seeing an appeal letter from Edwina Currie in the Keighley News. "Also my brother in law, Martin Holland, runs the Woodville Horticultural Centre in Keighley," he says. "I thought it would be a good idea to raise the money for Mencap," says John, who is married to Nina and has two grown-up children.

He is already in training and is looking to reach 100 miles per week in readiness for the event. He also has a bet with his brother Terry, who lives in Hull, that he will be able to cycle there in one day.

John, a commissioning engineer, has the support of the Keighley Sunday Football Alliance who have promised to help with fundraising. Public-ans from Cowling have donated cash. Other events have also been planned.

His fundraising efforts will help provide life-changing opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities in education, employment, housing and leisure.

Anyone wanting to sponsor John can ring him on 01535 670505 or 0976 891813.

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