A motorcyclist is hoping to raise £10,000 for charity by riding around the coast of Britain.

Pig farmer Stephen Newing, 40, aims to complete the 4,500-mile journey on his Yamaha R1 1000cc bike in ten days.

He decided to undertake the mammoth journey when his daughter Jasmin was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy, at the age of five weeks.

It was thought that she would suffer severe illness all her life but, now aged 19 months, she is doing well after taking medication.

Money raised during the journey will go to the British Epileptic Association, the children's ward at Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, where Jasmin was treated, and toward research into infantile spasms.

Mr Newing, of Southmoor, near Abingdon, is now seeking sponsorship or biking equipment from businesses to help achieve his aim.

His wife Kathryn, a 32-year-old operations manager, said: "Stephen has been a keen biker since he was about 16 and we have been planning this since the early days of Jasmin's illness.

"Titch Allen, who founded the Vintage Motorcycle Club, last completed the route in 1954 in ten days, and we have been seeking his advice.

"We would appeal for any help that people can give to these worthwhile causes."

Anyone wishing to support the ride can call 01865 820968.