THE headteacher of South Bromsgrove High School is resting up for the start of the new school term, after completing a grueling 1000-mile charity cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Paul Topping, 53, started his 10-day trip on August 10 to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society, after his dad died from the disease in May.

Speaking after the ride, Paul said: "I'm pleased I've completed it. It was punishing but so exhilarating at the same time. I'm pleased that I'm 53 and I can still do these things, and I was doing it because my dad passed away so it's kind of a special thing for me to do and raise money for the Alzheimers Society at the same time."

Paul, who cycles with Bromsgrove Olympique Club, set off at 8.15am every morning, and cycled until 6pm in the evening.

He said: "I've ridden from London to Paris before but never 10 days back to back, so that was really challenging. It was tough on my knees and you've got to take all the calories in every day to replace the ones you're using on your bike - it's about 5,000 calories a day you're burning."

Paul was given special permission from the school's governors to be away from school when the students' A-Level results were revealed on Thursday.

He added: "I've never missed any other results day and I've been headteacher for 11 years now. The chair of governors was really kind and said if you want to do it then take the time and do it. I kept in touch with school through email and the results were really good."

Thanks to donations from family, friends and fellow teachers at South Bromsgrove High, Paul has raised more than £1,200 for the Alzheimer's Society.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Paul-Topping5.