A FORMER soldier is preparing for an epic 1,200-mile journey across India on a motorbike.

Jonathan Birch will be riding across some of the most punishing but spectacular terrain in the world when he embarks on the two week trek along the Western Ghats mountain range.

The ride will start in the west coast resort of Goa, before heading south to Cochin.

The journey will include bustling city centres and lonely mountain passes.

Mr Birch, aged 24, of Leigh Road, Westhoughton, is a keen motorcyclist, but this will be the first time he has attempted a ride of this scale.

He said he hopes his stints in the deserts of Iraq and Oman serving with the Royal Corps of Signals, as well as his current job as a long distance lorry driver, will help prepare him for the challenge.

He said: “It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything that will challenge me like this.

“That is what I most miss about the Army — the constant physical and mental testing.

“Also, I love the great outdoors.”

Mr Birch needs to raise £4,750 for charity to take part in the rally, but he hopes to exceed the minimum amount, and is now looking for sponsorship.

He will be organising a series of fundraising events between now and the end of the year.

Proceeds will go to Unicef, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Rainbow Trust, a disabled children’s charity.

The trek, organised by Enduro India, takes place in January, 2010.