A BLIND man born and brought up in Huddersfield is to cycle 600 miles in aid of a centre for the homeless.

Brian Anthony, 37, will ride across part of Britain and Ireland on a tandem with a friend, Peter McDonald.

They will sleep rough on the ride from Stockport to Ireland and back, to draw attention to the plight of the homeless.

Cash raised from the ride will go to the Stockport-based Wellspring, which needs a new building.

The pair start their eight-day ride today and hope to raise £2,000.

Computer programmer Brian began to lose his sight in his teens.

He and Peter have already made £6,000 for the centre with other marathon bike rides.

Brian said: "We're really looking forward to the ride.

"The centre does a lot of good work and desperately needs a new building."

Brian was born in Salendine Nook and has lived in Stockport for the past eight years.

He and wife Denise have two children, Louis, 10, and Sophia, five.

Brian was a pupil at Salendine Nook High School and went on to study at Hull University after doing his A-levels at Huddersfield New College.

He will make it back just 24 hours before the wedding of his sister, Helen Drury, in Huddersfield.

To make a donation use the online form at www.thewellspring.ik.com/

Also, you can contact The Wellspring directly on 0161 4776344 or send donations to The Wellspring, PO Box 456, Stockport SK11WZ.