Farnham chorister George Spencer is gearing up for a bike trip with his dad, Will, to celebrate the end of his GCSE exams.

But this will be no ordinary trip as George explained to the congregation at St Thomas on-the-Bourne church on Father’s Day.

The duo will cycle from their home in Bordon to Turin to raise money for the Cheryl King Trust, which provides musical experience and tuition to under privileged youngsters.

The pair will begin their trip next Tuesday, June 25, with a gentle ride to Portsmouth before embarking on the ferry to Caen.

They will travel across France, taking breathers at campsites, during an 800-mile journey - and combined incline of 8,500metres - to the north Italian city.

“About 30 years ago, a friend of mine from music college, while working in Turin, met and married a shepherd,” said Will on why the pair have decided to attempt their own Italian job.

“How romantic is that! Soon afterwards, Suzi and Beppe built a hostel on their land in the beautiful Piedmont mountains, which I visited many times over the following years.

“George loves the wild landscapes, the wonderful food, helping to make the cheeses, and especially helping to look after the animals. He also speaks quite good Italian.”

He added: “Music plays a very important part in both of our lives as George is currently working towards grade 8 piano, sings in a very good church choir, and also plays the keyboard in a jazz band.

“I repair and build trumpets, but spent 30 years teaching the trumpet, mainly in state schools in London. As a child, I was fortunate to have benefited from free music tuition, and feel great sadness that these days, most schools are unable to offer such an important experience.”