FOURTEEN-year-old Gregory Bartlett (right) was one of the youngest riders to complete a gruelling 100-mile cycle ride across Exmoor for the charity Force, writes Richard Bray.

Gregory, from Kingsteignton, finished Sunday's ride – which started and finished at Topsham Rugby Club – in less than six hours, averaging 17.5 miles per hour.

'Greg hadn't done much training at all and my husband Paul and I really didn't think he'd accomplish it,' said proud mum Nicky Bartlett.

'And certainly not in such style, finishing far more quickly than many of the more serious cyclists with top of the range bikes.'

Gregory, a student at Teign School, Kingsteignton, does not belong to any cycling group. He just enjoys going out riding with his dad.

His main sport is dinghy racing. He is a member of Starcross Yacht Club, and enjoys racing in his Topper.

'Greg had competed in four sailing races the day before the cycle ride – not the best way to rest the legs,' said Mrs Bartlett, who added that earlier in the week he had taken part in his school sports day, tackling both the 1500m and 3000m races.