Kings Langley’s very own PCSO is to complete a motorbike trip from London to Beijing to raise money for a local charity dedicated to supporting people with learning difficulties.

PCSO Ian Martin, who is often seen patrolling the village streets, will swap his day job for 80 days as he sets off to Beijing to raise money for the Waterside Centre.

Mr Martin will be setting off on his 13,000 mile trip, half of which will be on unmade dirt tracks, in April from the Ace cafe, London.

The 56-year old said: "You only live once, so I thought this was the perfect time to do it.

"I am really pleased to be raising money for such a good cause. The Waterside Centre are always very welcoming and I wanted to do it for this local charity because of all the fantastic work it does in the community.

"It is a good small, local charity and I hope to raise awareness of their work and campaign."

The keen biker has already completed Route 66 on a Harley Davidson and had his current BMW R1200GS motorbike custom made especially for the trip six months ago.

He will set off on his adventure with twelve of his friends and said he is most looking forward to seeing the pandas, The Great Wall of China, visiting Kashar and viewing the Darvaza Gas Crater, locally known as the "Door to Hell".

Mr Martin, who has been a PCSO in Kings Langley for two years, said: "It is going to be an amazing experience but there will be a few challenges along the way."

He said: "We are determined and confident we will make it all the way but there will be a few challenges along the way.

"We may have some problems because sometimes it is very difficult to get across the borders at certain places. However we will do our best to get around this and complete the trip."

As well as all the enjoyable parts of the trip Mr Martin said he is not looking forward to the comfort aspects while riding for hours on end with an uncomfortable seat and little sleep.

He and his friends haven’t planned accommodation and aim to stop off at hostels and hotels along the way, even visiting local villager homes to find a place to stay for the night.

Mr Martin hopes to raise £1,000 towards the Waterside Centre in Kings Langley and has received £100 in sponsorship so far.

He said his family, friends and partner, Christine have all been very supportive. Mr Martin added: "Although Christine is a keen biker herself she won’t be coming along on this trip - but she’ll definitely be there to wave me off.

"She has been fantastic and very supportive."

Mr Martin will return from his trip at the end of July.

To sponsor his trip visit www.justgiving.com/ian-martin10