Later this year, Pc Chris Baker (31) will travel to China and cycle more than 420 miles to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, who cared for his grandfather when suffering from the illness.

To boost the fund-raising efforts, Mr Baker has organised a number of events, which has helped him get close to the £3,500 target – the latest initiative being a charity feast at Imperial Bento, in Broadway, where the restaurant donated a proportion of each meal's cost to the worthy cause.

A raffle also took place, meaning when all the money is collected the evening will have generated more than £1,000.

The cycle ride will not be Mr Baker's first for the charity, as he completed a similar challenge in Mexico.

Mr Baker said: "Macmillan helped to care for my grandfather when he was suffering from cancer, so it is a cause I'm obviously keen to support.

"As we know, statistics show that one in three of us will be affected by cancer, so people are really happy to show their support.

"We held a meal to help raise money towards a cycle ride I'm doing for charity.

"The restaurant very kindly gave us £10 from each meal, which brought in a total of £750.

"We also had a raffle with a number of businesses donating prizes.

"We had a great evening, really enjoyed ourselves and were able to raise a substantial amount towards the total.

"It will be a real challenge, but it is something I'm looking forward to. I've done quite a bit of training, but am also going to rely on my fitness developed as a keen amateur boxer.

"So far, I've got about £3,000, which I'm absolutely chuffed about, but I'm hoping to beat the target and get in the region of £5,000."

Organisations supporting the fund-raising initiative include, Kevin Sanders Promotions, The Marriot Hotel, The Bull Hotel, Holiday Inn, Blur Gallery, Beefeater, Orton Hall Hotel, Crucial Clothing, AMF Bowling and Planet Ice.

Those wanting to donate towards the total should call 0845 456 4564 and ask for Pc Chris Baker.