A STUDENT completed a 310-mile cycle ride in less than 24 hours in aid of mental health charity Colchester Mind.

Connor Price, 19, from Lexden, said he had no problem with the cycling, but had to contend with an unusual problem.

He had to go without a change of clothes after his backpack was on the wrong support vehicle, an hour behind.

Connor, a part-time barman at After Office Hours, in Colchester High Street, said: “We got a backpack to take with us.

“I put clothes in mine to change into half way through, but from the second stop my bagwas always a stop behind.

“Once I finished, I had to wait an extra hour for my bag.

“I was wearing the same clothes for 24 hours, so went straight in the shower when I got home.” Connor was the only cyclist to lose his bag during the rest stops.

He completed the ride, from Newcastle to London, in 23 hours, 7 minutes.

The Colchester Sixth Form student said he found balancing training with studying a blessing.

He said: “I was on my bike every day during my exams. It was actually quite helpful for studying, a sort of therapy.”

Connor saw the event, run by Action Challenge, advertised on Facebook.

He said: “I have a few friends with mental health issues and it is a topic that not many people know about.”

So far, he has raised £276 and he still has four weeks to raise money. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ ConnorPrice24Ride