PAINTER and decorator Pete Johnson reckons cycling up the hills around Bolton has given him the perfect preparation to complete three of the most demanding stages of a gruelling bike race.

The 48-year-old former triathlete is joining the Deloitte Ride Across Britain for its toughest stages — through the Highlands of Scotland.

Dulux-approved decorator Mr Johnson, of Caldbeck Avenue, Heaton, has been cycling the roads around Bolton for the last few months in readiness for the event.

The father-of-one, whose wife Jo is civil servant, was invited to take part in the event by Dulux, a major sponsor of the event.

He said: “About 30 of the Dulux people are doing the whole event, which takes place over nine days.

“When the offer came round, the only stages for which there was any vacancies were the most difficult ones in the Highlands. But cycling round the Bolton area is perfect preparation for the Highlands. We are fortunate to be among some great countryside with some demanding hills.”

Mr Johnson has stepped up training in recent weeks and has enjoyed returning to a strict diet and training regime similar to when he took part in the Ironman event in Wolverhampton in the late 1990s.

He hopes to raise up to £500 for the Outward Bound Trust charity.

He joins the event at Penrith on Thursday and will cycle 100 miles to Hamilton in Scotland for stage one, before tackling the Highlands stages.

The next stage takes goes Fort William, 130 miles further on, before the final leg when he cycles from Fort William to the Kyle of Sutherland.

The full ride goes from Lands End to John O’Groats.

All money raised will go directly to Mr Johnson’s chosen charity. To donate, go to uk.virginmoney giving.com/PeteJohnson