An ex-RAF officer was given a special cup in France to reward him for being the oldest rider on a London to Paris cycle ride.

Bernie Smith, 75, from Chessington, took the title of oldest rider after an even older cyclist dropped out close to the start date on September 3.

Mr Smith, who served 22 years in the RAF, completed the gruelling mission for the Poppy Appeal, on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

Despite his age, he had no doubts he would finish, but his years of experience cycling as a postman did not stop him getting aches and pains.

Mr Smith said: “It was very hard, very enjoyable and very emotional. It was harder than I expected because I went over to France a couple of years ago on a coach and I knew that there were no hills at the start because of that.

“I expected it all to be easy and pan flat but on one day there were 10 hills. Very tiring.”

A total of 175 people took part in the four day Pedal to Paris event and finished the 280 miles at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, waved them off from Greenwich.

Mr Smith has so far collected about £1,000 but it’s not too late to give. Call 020 8391 5855 for more information.

Get your fundraising online at surreycomet.co.uk