AMPUTEE Ben Lord has completed a painful but rewarding 300-mile fundraising cycle challenge across southern Spain.

Mr Lord, 26, from Great Somerford, returned last week from the week-long ride, which took him from Granada to Seville, between November 25 and December 2.

"By the time we pulled in to Seville I was in so much pain but had a deep sense of pride in what I had achieved," said Mr Lord, who has raised around £2,300.

The money will be given to the Douglas Bader Foundation, which supports amputees.

The motorbike mechanic had his right leg amputated above the knee following a motorcycle accident in February 1999.

Mr Lord cycled with 16 riders from all over the UK, and said that as a group they raised about £25,000.

"When we were cycling into Seville as a big group, that was the highlight.It was fantastic," said Mr Lord, who said the ride was also not without problems.

Mr Lord said his false leg caused soreness on the second day and he could not continue the route to Lucena. He said the limb was modified in Cordoba.

"I also had a problem with my wrist, when all my fingers went numb and I had trouble gripping the handlebars, applying the front brake and couldn't change gear," added Mr Lord.

His route was mostly through countryside and the first day saw Mr Lord travelling on a route from from Granada. Day three saw the cyclists travel from Lucena to Cordoba, and then on to Palma del Rio on day four.

On the final day the cyclists travelled from Palma del Rio to Seville. "The whole thing was absolutely brilliant," said Mr Lord.

He said he wanted to pay special thanks to all his sponsors, including St James Place, in Cirencester, Sweetnam and Bradley, Lucent Technologies, The Kings Arms, in the High Street, and the Somerford Stagers.