A CAR worker is switching the driver's seat for the saddle to use his workplace's summer shut-down to cycle the length of the UK.

Keith Tucker, a BMW worker based at the Cowley Mini plant, will be joined by his friend Steve Cook, who also worked in car manufacturing but is now retired, to tackle the 1,000 mile trip from Lands End to John O’Groats by bicycle.

The two men, who both live in the village of Long Wittenham, near Didcot are preparing to undertake the challenge in aid of the cash-strapped Oxford charity Helen and Douglas House, which cares for terminally ill children.

The hospice was forced to close its young adult care centre Douglas House in June because of financial problems and rely on donations to run the service.

A number of different fundraising challenges have been launched to help boost the organisation with bus drivers across Oxfordshire this week attempting to replicate the same trip, but on exercise bikes from their depots.

The pair will set off in August and will be cycling alone with no support vehicle.

After 16 days cycling they are aiming to reach John O'Groats on August 14 and will then spend two days getting back home by train and car.

Mr Tucker said: “Lands End to John O’Groats has been something I have wanted to do since my teenage years.

"As we have a three-week shutdown this summer at BMW it seemed an ideal opportunity. Helen and Douglas House needs all the support it can get.”

The duo have so far raised £395 out of a £1,200 target and can be sponsored at justgiving.com/fundraising/KeithTucker57