George set off in April to pedal through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, France and over the Pyrenees, following the old pilgrim route to reach Santiago de Compostela.

He covered 2,080 miles in 40 days, travelling 65-70 miles a day and staying at youth hostels, hotels, auberges and B&Bs.

"I am not religious but there was definitely someone looking after me throughout my journey," said George, who is now back home. "The trip went so well and seemed so easy, it felt like there was a rope on the front of the bike, pulling me along and the only repair I needed - when a wheel spoke broke - happened within minutes of a bike shop!"

Although the weather was unseasonably cold and wet through Spain, George evaded most of the showers and was untouched by a violent storm which followed him over a 4,500ft pass in the Pyrenees.

"I met so many interesting people of all nationalities and am very happy to have fulfilled a 40-year wish. When I arrived in Santiago de Compostela, I attended the 12 o'clock Mass and during the service I got a mention as 'the Pelegrino who had cycled from England," he said.

So far his efforts have raised £5,000 for the Daystar School in Hoima, Uganda, where the money will be used to help buy land to create a farm where the children can learn how to grow their own food.