A BUSINESSman looking for a challenge has decided to cycle nearly 300 kilometres across icy mountains and live volcanoes.

David Morgan, 51, of Marlborough Road, has decided to ride across Iceland to raise money for children's charities.

"I think it might be a bit of a midlife crisis," said management consultant David.

"Every year I like to set myself a new challenge. Last year I learnt how to snowboard.

"This year I'm going to ride 300 kilometres off-road across Iceland."

Competitive David said though he would be joined by other cyclists on the Fire And Ice Challenge, he wanted to raise the most money.

"For me the most important thing is the charities," he said.

"This is all for children's charities in the UK.

"There are so many good causes out there and I know there are people who need help in other countries too, but I think it's important to look after children here first."

David will be flying to Reykjavik in June but needs to raise £3,000 in sponsorship by April to take part.

He said: "We'll be cycling 290 kilometres in four days and it is almost all off-road.

"I'm starting to get in training now. I'm supposed to be getting ready by riding five hours off-road every Saturday and six hours every Sunday.

"I haven't quite got that far yet. I haven't really done much cycling in the past, so it's a bit of a daunting task. But I'm relatively fit.

"Most of the route is up and down mountains and across very bumpy volcanic rock, so I'm in the market for a very good saddle at the moment."

David said his children Ryan, 18, and Becky, 20, had been really supportive and were helping to spur him on with his training.

David will be raising money for Barnados, Dreams Come True, Kids And Kids and MedEquip4Kids.

Anyone wanting to sponsor David should visit www.bmycharity.com/davidmorgan.