SADDLE sore Dave Westcott vowed 'never again' after attempting last year's Exmoor Explorer Mountain Bike Marathon.

Watchet town councillor Dave took a wrong turn and added at least an hour to the four to five-hour route: "I said I would never do it again," he said.

"But then I was asked if I would take part by being sponsored - and I said all right, yes."

Dave is asking his customers at Glenmore Foods to sponsor him to support Knights Templar Pre School.

The gruelling challenge is just days away, on August 6, but Dave said he would not be putting in arduous training sessions because he was busy with his business and council work.

"I do a little bit of road cycling, but I have not done any off road since last year's event. I'm asking for support in the supermarket and I'm hoping for around £150."

The marathon route starts from the Carnarvon Arms Hotel at Brushford, and entrants will again be asked to make a contribution towards the work of the Exmoor Paths Partnership, which repairs and improves paths throughout the national park.

Last year, riders of all ages and abilities completed one of two challenging cross-country routes along forestry trails and bridleways and across open moorland and rural farmland, raising £360 in the process.

Precise details of this year's route will only be given out on the morning of the event, although some details will be available nearer the time via an event website at http://www.djmiles.co.uk/exmoorexplorer">www.djmiles.co.uk/exmoorexplorer.

Event organiser Steve Crossman stressed that it was not a race, but a day out for riders to enjoy.

He said: "Exmoor really does offer the most wonderful biking country.

"We take particular care when planning routes to ensure that riders see the best of Exmoor and that as little disturbance and inconvenience is caused to others while doing so."

Anyone wanting to take part in the Exmoor Explorer should contact Mr Crossman on 01984 640236. Application forms and further details are also available on the website.