A HAMPSHIRE businessman has taken a cycle-to-work scheme to a new extreme.

Nick Richens, managing director of London Camera Exchange, cycled more than 1,000 miles across the country, visiting all 28 branches along the way.

Mr Richens, 54, lives and works in Winchester, where the head office is based in The Square.

He set off on June 4 and finished in the city on Friday, June 21, celebrating with a party at around 4pm.

During the 18-day ride he spent more than 88 hours on the saddle.

So far he has raised more than £11,700 for the MS Society and The Prostate Project. His father Eric died in 2012 of prostate cancer while his sister is in the early stages of multiple sclerosis.

Mr Richens said: “A year ago I ran the London Marathon and enjoyed it so much that I decided to look for another challenge in 2013. I fancied cycling and thought, why not make up something of my own?”