A FORMER Nailsworth resident is returning from Spain to visit his old haunts – by pedal power.

George Burrage, 70, who’s lived in Murcia in Southern Spain for the last 11 years, was discussing what to do for a holiday with his neighbour Keith Rodgers, originally from Thornbury, when Keith suggested cycling back to England.

George says: “I wasn’t a keen cyclist, in fact the last time I rode a bike before this idea was when I was 17. But I’ve now put in 4,000km in training, and we’ll be setting off on May 31, covering 2,200km through Spain and France in about 20 days.”

The pair are asking for sponsorship as they’re supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. George says: “My daughter’s former nanny has a young son with the disease and we’re hoping to raise at least a couple of thousand for the cause.”

The intrepid cyclists will be carrying camping and cooking gear, and tackling the epic ride without a support team, other than someone at the end of a phone. “We’re doing it the proper way,” says George, who’ll celebrate his 71st birthday on the ride, “and it sounds mad but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Once they arrive in England George will finish his ride in Nailsworth where he lived for 30 years. He says: “I used to be active with the Social Club, the Bowls Club and the Road Race committee for the Stroud half marathon, so I hope to see some familiar faces. I’m aiming officially to finish the ride at the Social Club in Brewery Lane, and after a bit of a rest I’ll cycle to see my daughter in Ampthill. Then, if I’m still feeling ok, I’ll take the ferry back to Santander and ride the last 800km back to Murcia!”

If anyone would like to sponsor George please visit his website at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GeorgeBurrage