Teacher to fly across UK on trike

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The "Flyke" needs to refuel about every two hours

An IT teacher from Oxfordshire plans to travel from Lands End to John O'Groats in a flying tricycle for charity.

John Carver, from Abingdon, aims to cover the distance in a trike chassis, powered by a two-stroke twin propeller motor with a paraglider canopy.

The "Flyke" needs to refuel about every two hours and the engine shuts off for landing. In poor weather he can cycle.

Mr Carver said it would be "a great adventure" and the money raised would go to help juvenile diabetes research.

He plans to set off in August, and said there was a fine line between being considered a fool and an inspiration by his pupils and peers at Cothill House school, near Abingdon.

'Very safe'

He was diagnosed with diabetes 31 years ago and despite taking regular breaks said he was prepared to inject insulin at 5,000 ft (1.5km) if necessary.

The German-made single-seater flying tricycle is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority and can carry up to 25.4kg (56lb) of luggage.

Mr Carver said it was "very safe" as the maximum flying speed was about 20mph and the parachute would always be open when he was in the air.

He said he was not worried about engine failure or having to turn the engine off in order to glide in to land.

He said: "It's going to be a great adventure, a great boyhood challenge for me."

He estimates the journey will take him up to three to four weeks.