LYCRA is not the usual choice of clothing for a lawyer at a directors’ meeting.

But Graham Ireland can be excused for his athletic attire as he is dedicating his time training for a whopping 700-mile charity bike ride.

Mr Ireland, director and head of the conveyancing team at WHN Solicitors in Blackburn, is taking on the seven-day challenge across the Pyrenees mountains to raise cash for Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The 62-year-old is among 24 cyclists in the Med2Atlantic challenge and is aiming to cycle around 100 miles a day, with riders staying in B&Bs and hotels throughout the journey between June 22 and 29.

Mr Ireland said: “The main problem isn’t so much the distances, it’s the cycling over the Pyrenees which are very mountainous and challenging.

“I’m riding for Cystic Fibrosis Trust because I have a very good friend whose daughter suffers from it. The challenge was his idea and I was perfectly happy to be part of it.”

He took on a similar challenge two years ago when he completed a 600-mile Apline challenge along routes used in the Tour de France and raised £6,800 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Blackburn Youth Zone.

Mr Ireland said: “I was invited to take part in this latest challenge 12 months ago and will be riding with people who took part in the last challenge, many who have become friends.

“In terms of training, I have managed to stay on the roads through the winter months. Cycling through wind, rain and snow and on icy roads is particularly hard. On the plus side, I’ve saved a fortune in petrol.”

The journey will see Mr Ireland pass large cities such as Zargoza and travel through Catalonia, Aragon, La Rioja and the Basque Country. His training regime involves cycling 15 to 20 miles every day, with longer rides during weekends. A few weeks ago, he notched up 110 miles in one outing.

He said: “I’m very grateful to my fellow directors who have put up with me sitting through directors’ meetings in my Lycra gear after cycling from Blackburn to Bury.”