A vicar has got on his blessed bike to take the 1,000 mile pedal power challenge all the way to France.

The Rev John Noddings swapped his cassock for lycra outside Coleshill Church, near Highworth, following a service attended by Bishop Stephen Cottrell, the bishop of Reading.

Mair Huband was in the congregation.

She said: “It was a lovely service and the bishop blessed John and the bike.

“The service was well attended, it was a full church and we all had a glass of wine outside afterwards.’’ John hopes the marathon cycle ride, nicknamed Out of Africa because he pioneered a church out there, will raise £12,000 for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, and his parishes of Buscot, Coleshill, Eaton Hastings and Great Coxwell.

John, who has just celebrated his 70th birthday, is no stranger to sports having been a champion long distance runner during his time in Rhodesia.

Mair said: “He calls this his golden year as his ministry began 50 years ago in Africa.’’ The challenging ride is to mark the jubilee of when he first got his calling.

John will be travelling alone and sleeping in a one man tent or in lodgings for the 10-day trip.

His wife, Mary, will be joining him on a well earned holiday in Nice at the end of his challenge.

Anyone wishing to donate to his charity bike ride should log on to www.justgiving.com/pulpit.