A FORMER serviceman from Bradford on Avon is preparing to tackle the coastline of England on his bike after completing the Land’s End to John O’Groats ride last year.

Peter Anders, 35, of Kingston Mill, decided to pump up his tyres and map out a route around the coastline in aid of Wiltshire Mind, a cause close to Mr Anders's heart as he lives with mental health issues and depression.

Mr Anders set off on his adventure on Wednesday, looking to cover 80 miles before stopping.

From 2001-2003 Mr Anders served in the Household Cavalry, and since has cycled to help him with his issues.

“I thought I would cycle for Wiltshire Mind because it is a local charity, unfunded and does wonderful work. I live with mental health issues so Wiltshire Mind and the work it does means a lot to me. I am starting and finishing in Weston Super Mare. The route is about 4,500-5,000 miles, so I am looking at a couple of months’ worth of cycling,” Mr Anders said.

The last journey that Mr Anders did, the Land’s End to John O’Groats, was a 900-mile ride in nine days, averaging 100 miles per day. His last tour was inspired by his six-year-old nephew Max, who has type one diabetes.

“Last time I injured my knee a couple of weeks before the challenge. This year I am not risking riding about outside in case I have an accident or injury. I have been walking a lot and doing indoor training,” he said.

“I don’t have a finish date in mind for this one. I don’t want to rush myself and risk an injury during the journey. My first stop will be Minehead. For the fourth day I am aiming to stop in Newquay.”

As well as riding in aid of Wiltshire Mind, Mr Anders has also received support from Trowbridge-based company Army Surplus in Church Walk.

“The team at Army Surplus supplied me with some kit for my journey, which was very kind of them. So far I have raised £50 on my Just Giving page, but I intend to raise about £4,000 for Wiltshire Mind. I have people on a Facebook group offering me supplies and saying they will join in for certain legs of the journey,” added Mr Anders.

Carolyn Beale of Wiltshire Mind said: "it is wonderful that Peter has chosen to support us; we are a less well-known charity with limited resources so any opportunity to raise our profile and funds is very welcome."

To help Mr Anders reach his fundraising target visit www.justgiving/paj-anders1. u can also give by text: message PDFM52, enter your amount and send to 70070 or visit the Wiltshire Mind office in High Street, Melksham.