SALES rep Andrew Makin will exchange his power suits for bikers leathers when he completes a sponsored motorbike ride for charity.

The 29-year-old, from Whitby Close, Ainsworth, is planning to get on his bike and raise cash for the special care baby unit at Fairfield Hospital, Bury.

And he is going all the way to Scotland to do it.

Keen motorcyclist Andrew, who works for Walkden firm Infofirst, said: "I'll take a week off work and travel from Fairfield Hospital up the motorway to the Isle of Skye.

"Then I'll take the coastal road to John O' Groats, then come back down the right hand side of the country."

The 1,000-mile plus journey will give Andrew, and a friend who is going along "just for the ride", the chance to take in the sights -- and tastes -- of Scotland as it takes them on the famous malt whisky distillery run.

Andrew said: "Unfortunately, I won't be able to sample anything because I will be driving, but the trip takes in all the whisky distilleries. I will, however, be collecting cards and leaflets from everyone just to chart our journey."

Andrew, who passed his test nine years ago and has had a passion for motorbikes ever since, said the decision to do something like this came out of the blue. He said: "I just thought I should give something back to the hospital. I always donate when people do collections but I've never done anything like this before.

"My two nephews, who are aged three and five, both spent time in the unit as they were born prematurely. The eldest weighed less than a bag of sugar when he was born."

Andrew has received sponsorship from Radcliffe firm Scorpion Moto Sport, where he stores his bike, and hopes to raise as much money as possible for the hospital.

He sets off on his 1,200cc Suzuki Bandit on August 19 and plans to catch some sleep at the roadside whenever he can.

He said: "I've not been to Scotland before so I'll probably get lost!"