Philip Clarke will combine his two passions, fishing and motorcycling, when he sets off on a fund-raising expedition.

He will be relying on his 1200cc Triumph motorbike for transport and his fly casting skills to help him catch a trout in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales - all within 24 hours.

The sponsored trout fish challenge, dreamed up by Philip himself, kicks off on Friday.

Mr Clarke will travel from his home in Hurstpierpoint to Northern Ireland.

Starting at dawn at Straid Fishery, near Ballynure, Co. Antrim, Philip aims to have the first trout in the bag in time for the 7.30am ferry from Larne to Cairn Ryan.

He will then ride his motorcycle to Kirkchirst Fishings in Galloway, Wych Elm in Cumbria and Llandegla in north Wales, catching a trout in each location.

He said: "It may all sound a bit mad but I thought it was something different to raise money for a good cause, while combining two of my favourite pastimes.

"I am relishing the challenge, though I'll be relieved when I've landed that first Northern Irish fish. Everything depends on making that 7.30am ferry. If I miss it, I could be in for a very late night."

Mr Clarke is aiming to raise £5,000 for cancer care and research, following the death of his mother from the disease.

So far, he has received pledges of about £2,000 from readers of Trout Fisherman magazine and Farmers Weekly, which he works for in Surrey, and from family and friends.

Mr Clarke said: "I've been truly stunned by people's generosity so far. This venture really seems to have captured the imagination.

"But I need much more support if I'm to reach my target."

He has set up an account called Fishing To Fight Cancer, which will then be split between two charities, Cancer Research UK and St Michael's Hospice, Herefordshire.

He said: "My mother died of cancer two-and-a-half years ago, spending her final days in the hospice.

"As anyone who has had experience of hospices will know, the quality of the care and compassion of the staff were incredible. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude."

The Argus readers' help would be hugely welcome.

Cheques for any amount should be made out to Fishing To Fight Cancer and sent c/o 2 South Avenue, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9QB.