CHRIS PARR will be sleeping under the stars in between clocking up thousands of cycle miles for charity.

The 22-year-old, pictured above, is preparing for the 4,500-mile trek next year which will take him from his Valley Park home to the Middle East.

On a machine that is a cross between a mountain bike and racing bike, he will travel alone through France, Germany, Austria and Greece before taking a boat to Beirut.

He will then cycle to Amman, which is roughly the distance between Exeter and London.

Chris is not too worried about travelling through one of the world's hot spots. He said: "I think my parents are more worried than I am." He plans to stay in youth hostels or sleep out in the open.

The finance assistant with Winchester City Council is planning to make his intrepid journey next June and expects it will take about six weeks.

Chris is already an experienced traveller on two wheels. He has cycled the length of Britain and across Spain.

He said: "Each time I have done a long journey I have liked to travel further."

When he arrives in Amman Chris is sure of a warm greeting. There to welcome him will be 22-year-old girlfriend Elana Romahi, whose family lives in the Middle East.

Chris's sponsored cycle trek is for RAG - the university student organisation which raises money for many good causes. He is looking for sponsors, and anyone who can help should call him on 0786 318 2969.