A man has cycled from Brighton to the south of Spain to raise money for a homeless charity’s “vital” work.

Mark Mansbridge says he is proud to have pedalled more than 1,500km to Malaga in a marathon journey which took more than a month to complete.

The trip raised more than £700 for First Base day centre, which provides food and facilities for rough sleepers in Brighton.

Mark, 62, who works for BHT Sussex which runs First Base, said: “I'm proud to have worked for BHT Sussex in a variety of roles over the last 20 years and have always been in awe of the commitment of the staff at First Base.

"With the housing crisis its work is vital. Please dig deep for First Base for their incredible work and encourage others too.”

Mark, from Hamsey near Lewes, set off from Brighton on September 23 and camped across France and Spain on his way to Malaga.

The 1,740km trip saw him battling strong winds before arriving at his destination at the beginning of November, six weeks after he set off.

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The £785 raised will go to the First Base Day Centre in Montpelier Place where rough sleepers can shower, get a hot meal and wash their clothes as well as get support.

The centre was used 6,856 times in 2022 and was open across Christmas and the new year.

Jo Berry, head of business development at BHT Sussex, said: “We have been blown away by Mark’s epic efforts to raise money for First Base.

“His friends and colleagues enjoyed following the progress of his incredible journey and we are so grateful for the money raised, which will help us help more people facing homelessness this winter.”

BHT Sussex is a housing charity who help to support people sleeping rough and facing homelessness across the county.