AN out-of-shape councillor has signed up to a gruelling 350km cycle ride through hilly tropical terrain for charity - and to shed a few pounds.

Chris Nicholls will take to the saddle for five days in the Caribbean next February and he is determined to reach his £2,600 fund-raising target for national mental health charity MIND.

The Wyre Forest district councillor for Cookley - who is also a part-time history teacher and a hospital trust non-executive director - said mental health issues did not receive enough attention.

"People don't really like to talk about it in a way but it is really common - you just have to look at the Frank Bruno situation," said Mr Nicholls, of Woodlands Road, Cookley.

The 54-year-old, who used to be a keen cyclist, has already started training but finding his old form is not proving easy.

"I used to cycle 12 or 13 years ago but when I stopped I put on three-and-a-half stone," he said.

"When I started again I realised my body is not like it was 12 years ago - I'm finding it quite difficult. It will give me a fair amount of grief but it's for a good cause."

Mr Nicholls has already raised more than £400 through sponsorship and anyone wishing to make a donation can contact him on 01562 850895.