A VICAR will urge folk to spend more than a penny when he climbs on his bike to raise cash - for two loos.

The Rev Eric Petrie said desperate visitors at weddings, christenings or funerals were left inconvenienced because his churches had no lavatories.

The 46-year-old vicar of Salwarpe and Martin Hussingtree will pedal almost 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, from Monday, June 2.

So far, £15,000 has been raised through quizzes and other events for toilets at Salwarpe's Grade II listed St Michael's Church and the Grade I listed 13th Century St Michael and All Angels, in Martin Hussingtree.

He aims to complete the journey in three weeks and raise £2,500 towards his £120,000 target.

"The first thing people ask when they come to the churches for weddings is where the toilets are," said father-of-two Mr Petrie, who is also the chaplain of West Mercia Constabulary. "The groom is normally nervous.

"Salwarpe and Martin Hussingtree only have about 20 to 25 houses each, so we rely on good neighbours.

"We send people to use their toilets but, if they aren't in, we rely on a bush round the back!"

But the vicar did not tell his with his wife Heather, aged 43, about the trip until he had announced it.

"She was at first worried about the project," said Mr Petrie, who last rode his bike regularly 20 years ago.

The environmentally-friendly loos will allow the churches to open for activities like concerts, young people's activities and village clubs.

Mr Petrie, will be accompanied by support team on his three-week trip.

Potential sponsors can call Mr Petrie, or donate money towards the fund by ringing 01905 778757.