A dairy farmer from Hayle has signed up to take on the world's longest and toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby.

Paul Richards, 59, is taking on the epic challenge to raise funds for Children's Hospice South West.

A fourth generation dairy farmer, Paul signed up to take on the 9th Mongol Derby, which covers 1,000km of Mongolian steppe.

Paul is the first Cornishman to ever be selected for the derby and will be riding against 39 other competitors from around the world, and one of only nine riders from the UK taking part.

The derby will begin on August 9, and the final riders are expected to finish on August 18.

Throughout the race riders will have to endure all weather conditions and terrains, and will ride through deserts, forests, rivers, salt pans and marshes.

Riders will be riding semi wild horses and will change their horses every 40km. It will be a very different experience compared to the training they may have done at home potentially always on the same horses.

Paul said: “This summer I will be swapping my pickup for a 14hh pony to join the Mongol Derby, known as the longest and toughest horse race in the world, to race across all manner of terrain in Mongolia.

"I will be covering just over a 1000km over a ten day period, whilst carrying 5kgs of luggage with me most of which will be survival kit and spare food.

"At night we will stay with the local herders so the clothes I put on on day one will be the same ones I finish in.

"I thought it would be good for a challenge even at my age and as well as completing the race, all in one piece, importantly I am aiming to raise over £10,000 Children’s Hospice South West.”

Paul decided to raise funds for the children's charity, which supports families locally its hospice in St Austell, Little Harbour.

Little Harbour is one of three hospices run by the charity, and is there to offer care and support to children suffering from life limiting or life threatening illnesses.

Mary Murfin, community fundraiser for the charity, said: “As a community fundraiser for Children's Hospice South West I meet a lot of people that do fantastic things to raise money for our special cause but Paul taking on the Mongol Derby is one of the biggest challenges I think I have heard of.

"Paul will be swapping his days spent dairy farming for riding across Mongolia on a horse against riders from all around the world which is absolutely amazing.

"I hope as many people as possible can help Paul raise his £10,000 because this is a truly epic challenge.”

Anyone who may want to sponsor Paul should visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulRichards15.