A Woodford Green father who trains with his young daughter on the back of his bike is set to take on one of the most prestigious cycling events this summer.

Rod Quintrell, who is a full time student, will take part in France’s ‘Paris-Brest-Paris’ in August to raise money for charity Anxiety Care.

In order to qualify, Quintrell has had to ride in several other events, ranging in length between 125 and 375 miles, and as a busy dad, has to try to fit his relentless training in around his other responsibilities.

The ride sees more than 5,000 people cycle the 1,230km from Paris to Brest in Brittany and back again and is extremely popular, with locals turning out in their thousands to show support for the riders.

There is no prize for coming first but there is a time limit of just three days and eight hours.

Quintrell said: “I ride about 30 miles a week to college and my work placements and at weekends, I ride about 40 miles in Epping Forest with my three-and-a-half year old daughter on the back, which she loves.”

“I'm both nervous and excited,” Quintrell added about the ride.

“It will be the furthest I’ve ever ridden. However it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I've been working towards for two years.”

Quintrell, who in 2008 rode from Lands End to John O'Groats on a mountain bike, is being sponsored by family and friends and is raising money for the counselling charity he volunteers for, Anxiety Care.