IT was all pain and gain for Alex Campbell after he cycled six times around Lochore Meadows Country Park and raised more than £3,000.

The Cowdenbeath councillor admitted he wasn't a regular cyclist and his 30-miles challenge on Saturday was made even harder as he had to pedal in the face of gale force winds.

"It was a horrible day," he puffed. "The weather was hellish really but we did it.

"My wife did say to leave it until the next day but it was all organised and we just got on with it.

"The next day I had sore legs and a sore backside but it was for a good cause and I'm always willing to do something to help people. That's the reason I became a councillor."

Alex said he raised far more than expected and explained that the cash will help support food projects in his ward.

He said: "I decided to do a sponsored cycle to support the communities in my ward, Cowdenbeath, Kelty, Lumphinnans, Hill of Beath and Crossgates.

"Initially my daughter set up a Just Giving page and we had a target of £500 but, unbelievably, we passed that before I even started!

"The page raised £2,400 and there was about £700 in cash handed in. The Kelty Ex-Servicemen's Club donated £100 and a number of the masonic lodges did too.

"It was just crazy and I can't thank everyone enough for their support."

Alex conceded he's not often on his bike and the six circuits of the Meedies with his pals took two hours and 35 minutes.

He added: "Once the money is available from the fundraising page I'm going to give a fifth to each of the communities in my ward for food projects.

"Oor Wee Cafe in Kelty will get money, the Maxwell Centre in Cowdenbeath does lunches so I'll support them too, I think they're doing food parcels in Lumphinnans, Hill of Beath are still to decide and I'll speak with people in Crossgates to see where the cash can help there."