PASSERS-BY have been left stunned as a man in full Victorian dress has been riding around Chippenham on a Penny Farthing in preparation for a charity bike ride.

Barry Cummings, of Portal Close has been seen riding tall as he prepares for the Eroica Britannia, a 30-mile bike ride through the hilly Peak District on old vintage-style bicycles taking place on Sunday. (June 17)

The 58-year-old is also using his venture as an opportunity to raise money for Julia's House, and last month he showed the children at Devizes hospice how to ride a Penny Farthing.

Mr Cummings has only been riding his Penny Farthing since November last year.

He said: "Riding a Penny Farthing is a real challenge, with its high centre of gravity, thin solid rubbers, no gears or suspension and its limited means of stopping.

"Last June, my wife Alison and I went on holiday to the Peak District, on the weekend of an annual vintage biking event known as Eroica Britannia.

"I was inspired by the 4,500 riders who passed us on their vintage bikes, including one Penny Farthing in the sweltering heat, dressed in vintage costume."

After seeing the Penny Farthing cycle past, Mr Cummings, originally a mountain biker, was desperate to have a go at riding the high wheeler, and was delighted to be gifted lessons by his family.

He added: "After the holiday I drove my family crazy with my regular pondering on whether I should buy a Penny Farthing.

"To my delight, in September my family gave me two-days notice that they had secretly arranged a three-hour lesson on a Penny Farthing, right in the middle of Central London.

"After an early surprise fall over the handle bars, getting off lightly with just a cut knee and badly damaged pride, I eventually got the knack of mounting, staying on and dismounting."

In October last year, Mr Cummings bought his own Penny Farthing, and shortly began cycling around the streets of Chippenham.

In preparation for the big ride, which involves cycling off-road, he could be seen most weekends riding along the roads in a top hat and tails.

"I have fallen off quite a few times but I think I have the knack now.

"The Peak District is going to be a challenge, it is very hilly and there are no gears on this bike.

"I am going to be off-road it is going to be very uncomfortable on the bottom, the whole bike vibrates."

To donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barryswmhbk.