SWINDON Gang Show regular Simon Edwards swapped his scout uniform for sports gear and a cycle helmet to help stage this year’s extravaganza.

The 24-year-old from Stratton, who has been a part of the show for 13 years, raised more than £200 by taking on the London to Brighton cycle challenge last week.

He said: “It was a brilliant day, although very challenging physically it was all worthwhile and I would happily do it again.

“The cause I was doing it for has helped me tremendously with socialising, my confidence and it has just done a lot for me.

He added: “It gives people the opportunity to perform on a professional stage and everyone deserves to have that chance.”

More than 80 young people are set to take part in this year’s show, the 35th. It runs at the Wyvern Theatre from November 29 to December 1 and is billed as the greatest show that allows the talent of Swindon to have their 15 minutes of fame.

Staged by Swindon scouts and guides the variety show features music and comedy with themes including Christmas and the Second World War.

Simon, who works as an administrator in medical research, but the scouting movement and the show is his passion and he decided he would tackle the 55-mile sponsored ride to ensure others had the same opportunity.

He also used the experience to go towards his Duke of Edinburgh gold award.He was one of 4,000 riders who set off from Clapham Common last weekend on the DoitforCharity challenge.

He said: “At first the distance was a worry and I was out of my comfort zone.

“There was a mix between amateur and professional cyclists, but the atmosphere was second to none - everybody was encouraging each other.”

The toughest point was the long battle up Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex at 248 metres above sea-level.

“The sense of achievement after really does take away the stiffness and pain from the physical activity, I would recommend everyone to try it,” he added.

For tickets visit: swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-swindon-gang-show-2018