A Thames Ditton man has cycled through harsh conditions to complete the 18th stage of the Tour de France.

Matthew Falconer, 36, of Woodfield Road, got on his bike and braved the French Pyrenean mountain range to raise money for Action for Kids.

Riding through heavy rain, fog and temperatures of just 10 degrees, Mr Falconer completed the 148 kilometre route from Pau to Hautacam in six hours and 29 minutes.

Mr Falconer said: "I’ve been training for this all year but nothing prepared me for the descent off Col du Tourmalet - I’ve never been so cold.

"It feels so good to have completed this but in some ways the money I’ve raised for Action for Kids feels like a bigger achievement. I have been really humbled by everyone’s generosity and support leading up to the event."

The 18th stage of the yearly event is open to all cyclists wanting to copy their heroes and cycle part of the famous race.