Chester's Harry Mytton is hoping to break the world record for the furthest distance travelled on a City Bike in one hour.

The event, which is taking place at Knowsley Velodrome in Liverpool on Friday, August 26, is the first of its kind in the North West.

Mr Mytton, 27, who normally only cycles in his spare time, decided to take on the challenge in memory of Sean Walsh, the father of Harry’s best friend. Mr Walsh died in 2015 from colon cancer.

He said: “Sean’s death really affected the family. Sean was only 56 when he died and he had three kids. For them to lose their dad at such a young age, it was just a real shock. I wanted to do this world record attempt to show Nick how much I cared for him as a mate.”

Nick Walsh, the son of Sean Walsh, said: “My dad was a very driven person. He truly believed anything was possible. I can’t help but see the parallels here with what Harry is aiming to achieve. What Harry has chosen to do for me and my family is overwhelming.”

Mr Mytton was inspired by a similar hour-long attempt, which was completed by Rob Holdon of west London. Mr Holdon cycled 19.43 miles in an hour on a Santander Cycles bike – also known as a Boris bike - in 2015 at the South London Velodrome. Harry, who hopes to cycle 20 miles in the same time on a Liverpool City Bike, says this is “the North West’s equivalent to Holdon’s attempt’.

“It’s going to be hard. The biggest thing I’m worried about is the pain of going full gas for an hour. And how uncomfortable the bike is when you get into an aerodynamic position. Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd to cheer me on.”

If you’d like to attend the world record attempt or donate, you can do so via the City Bike vs The Hour Virgin Money Just Giving page. My Mytton hopes to raise £500 and all money raised will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.