A DETERMINED Greenock optician has set his sights on pedalling 68 miles in South Africa in aid of the hospice.

Pedal power will be Campbell MacKellar's secret weapon when he saddles up for the Cape Town Cycle Tour - a leg busting 109 kilometre cycling tour which attracts 35,000 competitors from across the world.

The 44-year-old, an optometrist who is one of the owners of family-run business Reid MacKellar in West Blackhall Street, says this is his biggest ever challenge as he only recently started to cycle.

He told the Tele: "I got a bike for my 40th birthday and I didn't use it for three years, it just sat there.

"I eventually took up cycling 10 months ago.

"I heard about this cycle through a neighbour who is also doing it.

"He knew I had a bike so he asked me if I fancied doing it.

"Initially I said no but then when I told my family about it, they challenged me to do it.

"It'll be the biggest challenge I've ever done."

The dad-of-two says he is 'nervous but excited' about the gruelling challenge, which is dubbed as the most beautiful bike race in the world.

It circles the Cape Peninsula, starting and finishing in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Campbell said: "I'm looking forward to it as there are 35,000 people taking part.

"It's a bit nerve-racking because I have never ridden my bike in a group before but I'm looking forward to it.

"The route is round the coast and there's a lot of hills.

"I'm part of a group of six doing it."

Campbell says the vital work that the hospice does in the local community inspired him to take on the challenge.

He added: "The hospice does such good work and it's a local charity.

"Everybody knows somebody the hospice has helped."

Campbell says his wife Julianna and their children Sophie, 15, and Ben, 12, have been a huge support.

He said: "They talked me into it.

"They have been a great support."

Campbell will saddle up for the epic cycling challenge on Sunday March 8.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can do so online at http://www.justgiving.com/Campbell-Mackellar