Alexander's 1,000 mile bike challenge

Alexander, 18, of Littledown Villas, decided to cycle solo from the Isle of Lewis to raise money for a charity called Tearfund, which sends volunteers to work in Africa.

During his amazing trip Alexander battled with flat tyres and broken panniers but learnt a lot about Britain and came to rely on the kindness of strangers.

He said: 'The high point for me, apart from getting home, was the amazing scenery, particularly in Scotland. I never realised how beautiful Britain is before.'

He added: 'The trip has also restored my faith in humanity. Everyone I met tried to help me out, from something as simple as just giving me directions to the mother and son in Scotland who took me to the nearest bike shop when I broke down near their house. The landlady of a local bed and breakfast did my washing for me one day and so many people along the way wished me well when they heard what I was doing.

'There were times when I was thinking "why am I doing this again?" but in the end it proved to be an absolutely amazing experience.'

Alexander is raising money to send his girlfriend Emily Daughtery, of Southover, to Africa with the Tearfund foundation in March of next year.

Miss Daughtery, who is the daughter of Lewes vicar Steven Daughtery, said: 'I am so proud of what he have achieved '“ it must have been so hard to keep going in the heat and with all the problems with his bike but he was very determined and he did it.'

The final total raised has yet to be tallied.