CYCLIST Mark Rutty is performing his own Tour de France to raise money for charity.

Mark, 29, from Haydon Wick, set sail for France on Monday, ready to embark on a 320-mile cycle in aid of Swindon Downs Syndrome Association.

Leaving behind his wife, Becki and two children, three-year-old Emilie and one-year-old Mollie, Mark is putting his leg muscles through their paces. He said: "I am really looking forward to the adventure but will miss my two girls terribly."

With more than £300 sponsorship under his belt, Mark hopes to provide speech therapy classes for children suffering from Downs Syndrome.

Mark, a security officer, has been training for the expedition by going to the gym after work for the past few months.

Versailles, Paris and Rouen are just some of the places he will pass through on his arduous journey.

Mark is due back in England this Saturday and plans to celebrate by sleeping.

But his wife, Becki, who turned 32 yesterday, hopes for wine and chocolates.

She said: "I am looking forward to some presents because he has missed my birthday."