RETIRED colonel and York pantomime dame Pat Carolan has returned home after cycling 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats reaching his journey's end on his 60th birthday.

Mr Carolan, of Knavesmire Crescent, York, who thought up the birthday challenge over a quiet whisky, did the ride to celebrate his birthday, 30 years of army life and his continuing good health.

He completed the challenge with his friend and fellow colonel, Roger Forest, who served with him in the Royal Logistic Corps.

They were also supported on the trip by their seafaring friend Roy Davis, who accompanied them in a car. While they were on the trip the pair had time to stop off at a few pubs where they managed to collect £450 sponsorship for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mr Carolan, who ran the London Marathon on his 40th birthday, was greeted by friends on his return with a birthday cake depicting his other life as Bishopthorpe's pantomime dame.

He said: "I only took up cycling because I've given up running. This ride is a celebration of being healthy at 60 and for 30 years of army life. I think it's a message for people everywhere that if you really want to do something you should go for it."

BACK HOME: Pat Carolan returns home after cycling a 1,000-mile route from Land's End to John O'Groats

Picture: Nigel Holland