A FORMER naval officer from Inverkip caught up with an old colleague as he visited the area as part of an epic 3,200-mile motorcycle trip in aid of a cancer charity.

Andy Jenrick embarked on a six-week solo ride across the UK to raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust after being inspired by their work.

He stopped off locally to stay with former navy man Tim Forrester and his family at their home in the Kip Marina.

Tim, who is also a biker, said he was delighted to support his former colleague as he sadly lost his own son Christian to cancer last August.

The Inverkip man, who stays with wife Helen and their three dogs - one of which is Christian's - was delighted to catch up with Andy on his travels.

He told the Tele: "It was brilliant to see him after more than 30 years.

"The trust is an excellent charity that do brilliant work, so I am glad to have supported him on his way.

"My own son Christian was 46 when he died last year from liver cancer and he was really into motorbikes.

"So I appreciate what Andy is doing."

Andy, from Cornwall, is an advanced motorbike rider and tutor and also rides for Cornwall Blood Bikes.

The 62-year-old has been motorbiking since the age of 17 when he took on a job as a courier in London.

He plans on completing his mammoth fundraising mission on July 31 at Land's End, where it all kicked off in mid-June.

Andy, who lives with wife Linda and the couple's dog, said: "The charity is one I had never heard of, but after I discovered the work they do I knew I wanted to help out.

"I've been collecting money along the way using collection tins and my online fundraising page.

"I had originally set the target at £500, but have managed to smash through that.

"It's been great seeing Tim - him and his family have been so supportive of my fundraising.

"Inverkip is a beautiful place, it's been a real highlight of the trip so far."

To donate to Andy's fundraiser, visit bit.ly/368rQ5I