A company boss has been killed on a charity cycle ride from John O'Groats to Lands End.

Cyclist Graham Lees, 48, died in a collision with two cars on the A38 Bridgewater Road, near Taunton, about 150 miles short of his goal, police said today.

Mr Lees was managing director of Cotswold Lifts, based in Thorpe Park, Banbury.

Colleagues said he would be sorely missed by his family, friends and employees, especially for his "irreverent sense of humour".

The father-of-two was hugely experienced in the lift industry, was a mechanical engineer with a first class degree and also had a Masters degree in lift engineering.

The company spokesman continued: "His interests were many — including flying, motor biking and raising money for charity -he was very proud to have raised £10,000 in 2006 for Breast Cancer Care, a cause very close to his home.

"He leaves a widow and two teenage children."

Mr Lees, who lived in Barford, near Warwick, cycled the route in 2006 to raise thousands Breast Cancer Care after his wife was diagnosed with the disease, his latest charity event was to raise money for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

The accident happened on Thursday.