Retired vicar Reverend Clifford Owen has now set off on his huge 900-mile cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats to celebrate his 80th birthday year.

Friends, family, parishioners and civic dignitaries, including the mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Phil Pearce, were on hand to give Clifford an almighty send-off from Huntingdon railway station on Saturday, August 19.

The Hunts Post: Mayoress of Huntingdon Debbie Pearce, Clifford, Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Phil Pearce and Isobel.Mayoress of Huntingdon Debbie Pearce, Clifford, Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Phil Pearce and Isobel. (Image: Newsquest)

The Hunts Post: Clifford will be wearing a sign on his cycling jacket to mark his journey.Clifford will be wearing a sign on his cycling jacket to mark his journey. (Image: Newsquest)

Clifford, alongside his daughter Isobel, began the first leg of his planned 17-day cycle from the Lands End sign in Penzance on Sunday, August 20, with a 45-mile journey to Bude.

The Hunts Post: Clifford and Isobel were ready and raring to go in the sunshine from Lands End sign in Penzance. Clifford and Isobel were ready and raring to go in the sunshine from Lands End sign in Penzance. (Image: Clifford Owen)

Clifford is also cycling in aid of his church, All Saints in Hartford and on his return in September, he will celebrate 50 years since he was ordained into the Church of England.

A daily phone text report will be sent back to Huntingdon, and Clifford hopes to do a report on the HCR104fm Chat Show in September.

The Hunts Post: Clifford was given an almighty civic send-off from Huntingdon railway station.Clifford was given an almighty civic send-off from Huntingdon railway station. (Image: Newquest)

So far, Clifford has raised more than £1,000, and to sponsor him and check on his progress throughout his journey, visit www.allsaintshartford.org.uk.

The Hunts Post: Reverend Geoff Boucher and Reverand Samuel Perez held a banner for Clifford and led a prayer for his and his daughters journey.Reverend Geoff Boucher and Reverand Samuel Perez held a banner for Clifford and led a prayer for his and his daughters journey. (Image: Newsquest)

Find out more about Clifford's preparations and why he's taking on the cycling challenge:

The Hunts Post: Clifford and Isobel will be joined by Clifford's other daughter Kathryn during the cycle.Clifford and Isobel will be joined by Clifford's other daughter Kathryn during the cycle. (Image: Newsquest)