A FATHER of an autistic boy is gearing up to take a 1,440-mile sponsored quad-bike ride to say thank you to a charity.

When Sean Murray discovered his seven-year-old son Liam had autism in 2004 the family turned to the National Autistic Society for help.

To show his appreciation, the 38-year-old cab driver will leave London on April 3 and bike to John O'Groats with his 31-year-old pal Stephen Edwards.

Mr Murray, also father to three-year-old Ryan, said: "The charity really helped me come to terms with Liam's autism and doing this bike ride is my way of saying thanks."

The pair, both from Dartford, hope to complete the round trip in five days and arrive back in London on April 8.

If you want to sponsor them visit justgiving.com/highwayhornets