A WOMAN is cycling from the southernmost part of England to the top of Scotland to raise money for two charities close to her heart.

Joyce Wooster, of Little Ham Lane, Monks Risborough, aims to travel the nearly 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in 28 days at an average of 35 miles each day.

Mrs Wooster is raising money for Risborough Cares Group, which was set up last year to support the day centre, and the Sacred Garden Project of St Mary's Church, Princes Risborough, which aims to provide a peaceful garden at the front of the church for contemplation.

The 54-year-old, a former member of the day centre and a churchgoer, said: "It's something I've always wanted to do. I was going to wait till I retired but I might not be able to do it then."

The sponsored ride begins on May 19, with Mrs Wooster having her sister Maggie as back-up for the first and last week.

Mrs Wooster, who works for the Fremantle Trust in two mental health homes, said: "I've booked four weeks off work but I'm hoping to do it in less time than that."

The trek will be along tarmac roads rather than cycle paths to avoid foot and mouth problems and because Mrs Wooster believes roads are less bumpier than tracks.

She said: "I was going to go on my ten-year old bike with six gears but my daughter, who has some experience in this sort of thing, told me I should use 21 gears."

Mrs Wooster has so far raised more than £1,500.