Designer Outlet centre manager Franco Muccini is taking part in a 65-mile charity bike ride in Ireland to raise £5,000 for the Special Olympics in 2003.

Watched by eagle-eyed colleagues at the McArthur Glen shopping facility in Rodbourne, Mr Muccini has been walking at least four laps of the centre which is over one mile every day, before he heads off to Ireland on Saturday.

He said: "Time is flying by, so I have to take every opportunity I get to exercise. I've started walking to see people in our stores rather than just phoning them.

"Other members of the management team are watching me like a hawk and keeping tabs on what I'm eating during the day.

"There's nothing better than a strong coffee first thing in the morning but now I'm starting the day with a mineral water."