A SWIMMING star will attempt to cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours next month.

Stephen Mavin, 37, who swims for the March Marlins but lives in Somersham, will be one of 300 riders who will set off from Blackheath, London, on Saturday July 6 and pedal nearly 300 miles to the French capital against the clock.

He hopes to raise £1,200 for Scope, a charity which works with disabled people and helps support their families at every stage of their lives.

Mavin won bronze in the World Triathlon Championships in 2008, took gold in the European Triathlon Championships in 2009 and triumphed in last year’s British Swimming Masters Decathlon.

He said: “I’ve have been swimming internationally representing both England and Great Britain since my early teens.

“Last year I focused heavily on my swimming and amassed 17 national gold medals in a year which saw me smash 11 British records and three European records.

“This year I really wanted to do something different and when I saw this cycling fundraising challenge advertised I wanted to be involved.

“No records will be broken, or titles won. Raising the £1,200 for Scope may be my toughest challenge yet.

“Any support offered will be greatly appreciated.”

You can sponsor Stephen through Virgin Money giving at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Mav