A Caterham man has conquered the London to Brighton Bike Ride in honour of his friend who died nearly two years ago to the day.

Martin Mcgrath took part in Europe's oldest charity cycling event and raised £3000 for the British Heart Foundation as part of his seven-person team.

He took on the 54-mile challenge because his colleague at construction company FDL, Nigel Obone, passed away nearly two years to the day, aged 55, from heart disease.

After crossing the finish line, the 55-year-old said: “Taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride was such an incredible experience.

"The atmosphere along the route was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been cycling for the BHF’s vital heart research.

"Knowing that I was raising money for such a great cause really spurred me on to the finish line – even on the steep climb up the dreaded Ditchling Beacon.

"I’m proud that the money I raised will help make a difference to the millions of people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease.”