An Ilkley man has taken part in the world’s largest timed cycle race to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Tom Gillon, 51, who is chairman of rugby at Ilkley Rugby Club, was one of 34,000 cyclists who took part in the Cape Argus bike race in Cape Town, South Africa, on March 9 and completed the 110k - or 68 miles - in a time of five hours, 29 minutes and eight seconds.

By completing the challenge Mr Gillon has raised more than £1,100 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

He said: “It was by far and away the most scenic race I've ever done. The stunning views took away the pain of the hill climbs, and the tens of thousands of people who turned out for the day to cheer us on made such a difference.

“I started off with a couple of friends, but left them behind after a couple of kilometres as I didn't fancy going that slowly. It was nice to have the solitude to take it all in during the race.”

There is still time to sponsor Mr Gillon online at: justgiving.com/Tom-GILLON1