A BURNHAM motorcycle enthusiast has undertaken a long-distance fundraiser for the town's RNLI Station, by riding to Loch Ness and back. 

Local motorcycle enthusiast, Ben Preston, set a personal challenge to raise RNLI funds by riding over 1,000 miles in July, from Burnham-on-Sea to Loch Ness lifeboat stations' and back, in under 24 hours.

Ben is a member of IBA UK, which is the UK arm of the Iron Butt Association, dedicated to safe, long-distance motorcycle riding.

The ride raised sponsorship £446.22, with total mileage of 1143 miles in 23 hours and 8 minutes. The Somerset Marine lodge added a cheque for £2000

Ben said: "Following my undertaking of 1000 miles in 24 hours in July, to raise funds for Burnham-on-Sea RNLI. Members of Lodge Marine proposed and agreed to donate the sum of £2000 to Burnham-on-Sea RNLI."

"Lodge Marine, is a masonic lodge with a long history and was originally founded in Calcutta, India as far back as 1776 as an overseas lodge for mariners. The lodge has been in Somerset since 2001."

"Brethren of the Lodge recognised the important role the RNLI plays within our communities, on call at a moment’s notice, when we need help. So. it was our greatest pleasure to have a contingent of Lodge Marine to present a cheque for £2000."

Duty Launch Authority, Phil Counsell said: "This is a wonderful donation, so many thanks for the support, and congratulations to Ben for completing his personal challenge."