A BOLTON muscle man has put himself through a gruelling challenge to help out a worthwhile cause.

Ralph Holt raised more than £600 for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital by competing in the Ironman Wolverhampton Triathalon.

The 34-year-old, who works at Burnden Park Rover dealership, swam more than two miles, ran 26 miles and completed a bike ride of 112 miles.

Ralph finished 34th and was one of 300 people who completed the demanding course, with 100 competitors dropping out as the race progressed.

He is already looking forward to next year's event when he hopes to beat his record and has also founded Bolton Metro Triathalon Club at Farnworth Sports Centre.

Ralph said: "I completed the event, which started at 6am, after a gruelling 10 hours and 38 minutes.

"It was difficult to keep going, but I knew I couldn't let the charity or myself down by stopping."