A DRIVEN man from Chard is set to saddle up for a 300-mile bicycle ride to raise money for a charity heading research into various diseases and disabilities.

Jim Knight, 31, of Brutton Way, has pledged to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Action Medical Research, who, amongst other things, tries to prevent epilepsy misdiagnosis - a brain disease Jim has been afflicted with most of his life.

The ride will start in Wimbledon, London, on July 25, cyclists then head to Dover, before getting a ferry across to France. The journey then takes Jim to Diep, taking in the French coastline before riding to Paris on July 28 to watch the end of the Tour de France.

Jim will then cycle down the Champs Elysees to complete his 300-mile, 10 hours a day bicycle ride.

Jim said: "I have done a lot of training which has mainly been done in the wind and rain and that has prepared me mentally and psychologically - I know I am ready.

"I would like to thank everyone at Oscar Mayer where I work who sponsored me and my girlfriend, who has helped me train."

To sponsor Jim, visit www.action.org.uk/jimknight.