A STEETON endurance athlete is urging people to support him on social media as he attempts to cycle non-stop from John O'Groats to Land's End in world record time.

Sam Boatwright, 32, sets off on his challenge at 6am tomorrow.

He aims to complete the 856-mile route in under the current record of 44 hours, four minutes and 19 seconds.

The former Royal Navy serviceman, who is raising money for Help for Heroes, fears the hardest part will be staying awake.

"I would really like people to tweet, text and post on Facebook to give me something to focus on and keep going through the tough times," he said.

"Knowing people are willing me on will make all the difference."

Mr Boatwright – a school teacher and personal trainer – has undertaken extensive training, including at altitude in the mountains of the Dolomites.

"I have done all the training I can, the bike is up to scratch, everything is ready and I'm raring to go," he said.

"I'm hoping for decent weather and the encouragement of supporters then, with luck, I'll reach Land's End with a new world record in the bag."

People can tweet ?@sam_boatwright1, go to his Facebook page, email sam@samboatwright.com or visit samboatwright.com for more details.