By Matt Scorer

Hope Valley College's Head of Geography Matt Fitton is in training for a challenging bike ride around the High Peak. 

Mr. Fitton said: "Unfortunately the cycle is not a charity event as much as would love it to be. I'm doing it to motivate myself to stay fit and because I love cycling."

In preparation Mr. Fitton is cycling the 16miles to and from his Sheffield home to College twice a week as well as doing a 40-mile cycle every weekend.

In addition to this Mr. Fitton is doing 2 to 3 sessions a week on a stationary bike in the gym. He added: "I'm doing all my training before nine o'clock every morning which is quite demanding but it is important to keep in good physical shape. By cycling to work I am also doing my small part for the environment just by not using the car."

The cycle leaves from Chapel and as would be expected includes many climbs including the 7mile climb to the Cat and Fiddle above Buxton and the notoriously steep Winnats Pass.

Mr Fitton, who hopes to complete the cycle in a good time, said: "Mr. Beeden was supposed to be doing the cycle as well - hills are rumoured to be his speciality - but unfortunately he has made up some excuse and is no longer taking part."

Principal Bernie Hunter said: "We wish Matt the best of luck although with all the training he has been doing he is unlikely to need it. It is fantastic that one of our teachers is setting such a fabulous example to students not only in terms of keeping fit but also in his caring attitude towards the environment."