A firefighter from The Sands has completed a gruelling 550-mile solo charity bike ride, battling heavy rain and strong winds to raise funds for the organisation he credits with transforming his mental health.

Phil Barton set off from Jubilee House, the Fire Fighters Charity's centre in Penrith, Cumbria, on Monday and finished at Marine Court in Littlehampton, West Sussex, on Friday, June 5.

The route, which Phil planned entirely himself and self-funded, took in all three of the charity's UK centres. Over five days, he cycled from Cumbria to the Sussex coast, accompanied only by his father, who served as his support crew throughout the challenge.

His wife Katie Barton and their two young children, who were unable to join him on the road because of school commitments, were there to welcome him at the finish line.

“We are immensely proud of him,” Mrs Barton said. “It is one thing to want to take on this type of challenge, but quite another to actually make it happen.”

Phil has spoken candidly about his long-running battle with stress, anxiety and depression, and the role the Fire Fighters Charity's therapy and wellbeing services have played in his recovery.

He said: “After reaching an all-time low in 2016, feeling overwhelmed and at rock bottom both mentally and emotionally, I reached out for professional help, and I can honestly say that it was the best thing I ever did!”

He hopes the challenge will raise awareness of the support available to people working in the emergency services and encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek help.

So far, Phil has raised more than £2,800, smashing his £2,000 fundraising target for the charity.

Donations can still be made through Phil's JustGiving page.

To donate to Phil’s fundraiser head to www.justgiving.com/page/phil-barton