Busking charity bike ride aims to buy school bus

Jamie Bell (left) on a training ride with friend, Steve Charlton

A rock'n'roll singer has set himself a challenge to cycle the length of Britain to raise money for a much-needed school minibus.

Jamie Bell, from The Baldy Holly Band, told of his "Eureka moment" when he heard Sir Charles Parsons School in Walker, Newcastle, was struggling to fund a new adapted vehicle.

He aimed to set off on the epic journey from Lands End to John O’ Groats on Monday, and along the route plans to play impromptu busking gigs to raise extra cash.

Mr Bell, from Longbenton, North Tyneside, said: "It's an amazing school. They've got such complex needs some of the children and yet they've got such a positive outlook on life."

The 45-year-old aims to cycle some 100 miles (161 km) every day for the next 10 days.

He has been training for several months for the challenge, which all started with a chance encounter with the school.

"I was sitting having a cup of coffee and I saw a dilapidated minibus drive into a car park," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I remarked to the driver it was in a bad way and he explained because of a lack of funding they were desperate for a new one.

"I had a Eureka moment and decided I'll raise the money for them."

Angus Intini, Jamie Bell and Steve Charlton cycling from Berwick-upon-Tweed via Bamburgh Castle as part of training

So far, he has raised £32,000 towards his £60,000 target.

Sir Charles Parsons School has pupils aged 11 to 19 years old who have a range of additional needs.

Mr Bell added: “When you really see what the school entails and how much work they put in with all the children, it was a no-brainer to get involved.

"I'm just hoping I can get this bus for them."