A FIGHTING fit cyclist has reached the last 10 stage of a prestigious awards celebrating 'Brave Britons'.

Ron Longstaff (91), who is well known in the Tyne Valley for his cycling exploits, has reached the final 10 selection stage in the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2020, in the Active Agers category.

Ron, of Humshaugh, took part in his first race - a 50 mile time trial in Northumberland - at the age of 20, and hasn’t stopped since.

In 1997, he won the Veteran’s Road Race World Championship in Austria, and was still riding more than 150 miles a week in his original club colours up until the coronavirus outbreak.

Ron has already fended out competition from around 50 nominations to reach the selection stage in the Active Agers category, chosen by member s of the public.

Four finalists will be selected in each category, and the winner will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony in October.

The judging panel is chaired by Falklands war hero Simon Weston.

Amplifon is a leading global hearing specialist.