A charity cyclist who pedalled halfway across the country in honour of his two-year-old son was greeted home by a massive party tonight.

John Sammons was met with cheers and whistles as he rode the final few yards of his trek from Land's End into the community hall in Ambrosden, near Bicester.

The 37-year-old and his team-mates - Welsh kick-boxing champion Amy Knight-Archer, 19; her sister Claire, 23, and Claire's fitness instructor boyfriend, Kurt Austin, 25 - endured freezing temperatures, snow storms and gale-force winds during the 300-mile trip.

Mr Sammons, of Ash Lane, Ambrosden, embarked on the challenge for the second year to raise cash for charity Respite for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters, known as Rosy, which helps his severely disabled son Kye.