A Newport man recently took on a gruelling charity cycle challenge.

Retired physics teacher Mike Phillips helped raise around £3,000 for good causes when he completed a 1,000km cycle through Spain.

Mike, who is also a town councillor, joined his friend Peter Munt-Davies to cycle one of the Camino routes to Santiago de Compostella in northwest Spain, with Dr Sam Lewis in a campervan as support.

The trip was in memory of two friends, and raised funds for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mike said: “As well as spinning at Fishguard Leisure Centre on winter nights I got some training rides in with Pete and even did three testing rides in Eire with my good friend Graham Coles.

“At 66 I am now quite fit as a result of the whole experience.”

The cyclists joined The Confraternity of Saint James, and can now nail three scallop shells above their doors, to show they have made the pilgrimage.

Mike added: “In Spain we were known as “Peregrinos” and carried a scallop shell which prompted much kindness and hospitality en route.”

The pair set off from Seville Cathedral and met several challenges along their way.

Mike said: “The heavens opened complete with thunder and lightning and we soon got very wet and muddy with a bit of hypothermia in my case. At this point, after cycling across some very slippery, muddy, fields we elected to take on the Spanish roads which were really cycle friendly.”

On arrival at the cathedral precinct in Santiago Pete and Mike claimed their Compostellas – certificates for making the pilgrimage.

Mike added: “Overall it was an experience well worth doing, and, looking back, enjoyable.”