ROUND-the-world cyclist Alastair Humphreys has married the woman who waited four years for him to complete his epic ride.

Alastair, from Airton, set off on a self-funded 46,000 mile journey across 50 countries and five continents in August 2001. His mission was to raise awareness and funds for the charity Hope and Homes for children.

He aimed to raise £1 for each mile cycled and has currently raised more than half his amount, with the total standing at almost £26,000.

No sooner had he set off, than terrorist attacks at the World Trade Centre in New York meant he had to change his plans. Instead of heading east, he turned right for Africa and was forced to re-plan as he went along.

By November 2005 he had cycled back to England and into the arms of waiting girlfriend Sarah Beslee.

Since completing his ride Alastair has given talks and slide shows all around the country and is currently writing the second of two books on his experience.

The first, Mood of Future Joys, is available from his website or through Amazon and the second, Thunder and Sunshine, is due out within the next few weeks.

Alastair's next adventure will only part him from his new wife for six days - he is planning to tackle the gruelling Marathon de Sable next March. It takes place over 151 miles across the Sahara and Alastair hopes to raise more support for Hope and Homes for Children.

He is currently teaching at a special needs school in Clapham, South London, while Sarah is a senior manager in taxation with Deliotte.

The couple were married at St Mary the Virgin Church, Stansted, Kent, and will live in London. A honeymoon to Hawaii is planned for Christmas.

Alastair is still organising talks between schoolwork and is giving a slide show to the Conservative Association in Gargrave Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday).

Alastair's website address is www.alastairhumphreys.com