A YOUNG Kidderminster air cadet is spending his summer holidays cycling 1,180 miles across the country to raise money for his squadron's minibus appeal.

Holy Trinity School student Alex Brown is partway through his challenge to ride from Land's End to John o' Groats with his dad Ashley.

The 14-year-old has already raised more than £1,000 towards the £20,000 minibus appeal, which will enable the 451 squadron of Stourbridge Air Cadets to take part in adventure and training activities.

Alex said: "To start with I was nervous because it was such a long way, but now I’ve started its quite exciting, but very tiring.

"It has literally been ups and downs in Cornwall with some huge hills. The downside is being away from home and trying to get Garmins and phones charged which are needed for communication and maps.

“The weather was so hot for the first five days and we had to keep stopping to fill water bottles but now its rain and storms.”

Alex is set to finish the epic challenge on Thursday (August 8).

Mum Deborah said: "Alex didn’t have a fundraising target but just wanted to raise as much money as possible in support of his squadron, and in the process has become an internet hit with Carol Vorderman tweeting messages of support."

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/stourbridge-air-cadets, or follow Alex's journey via the Stourbridge Air Cadet's Twitter handle @451SqnATC.