While some people his age are thinking of slowing down, Bob Marriott plans to start his 70th year cycling from London to Paris.

Mr Marriott, 69, from Headington, Oxford, is in training to take part in the Big Issue Foundation London to Paris Bike Ride on July 26 - cycling 250 miles in just three days, raising hundreds of pounds for the homeless.

Mr Marriott said: "I would have just turned 70 when I do it and although some people have said I'm mad and should be taking things easy, I'm really excited about it.

"I've always kept fit and I don't see why I shouldn't be able to do this ride. It will be a challenge, but it will also be a lovely way to see France."

Mr Marriott first caught the race bug back in 1959, when he completed the gruelling 200km Nijmegen March through Holland.

"I was on National Service with the Royal Signals and the March was to pay tribute to those who died at Arnhem," he said.

"I've also done three bikeathons - two for Leukaemia Research and one for the British Heart Foundation. Then in 2004, aged 66, I did the London Marathon.

"I ran it in just over six hours, but I wasn't the oldest - I was passed by a guy who turned out to be 92!"

And he's hoping to do the same race again for Help the Aged in September.

"I'm training now, cycling, and soon I'll be doing swimming and running too," he said.

"It's great to take part in these events, but I have to raise a lot of money just to take part and I'm hoping local companies and individuals will see what I'm doing and offer to help.

"I'm happy to wear company sponsorship and it should certainly be seen by quite a few people as I cycle through the south of England and then down to Paris!"

Mr Marriott said that as well as helping charities, he hopes his fundraising will inspire other older people to get out there and get fit.

"When people say I can't do something, it just spurs me on to do it," he said "July 26 when the ride starts, will also be when my wife would have celebrated her birthday.

"She passed away 13 years ago - but she would have been very proud of what I'm doing and it will be nice to know I'm marking her birthday by helping others."

Anyone wishing to find out more about sponsoring Mr Marriott can call Debbie Waite on 01865 425428 or email debbie.waite@nqo.com