AN estate agent boss marked his 50th birthday with a charity cycle challenge across the French Alps.

Myddelton & Major partner Philip Holford found an alternative way to celebrate the milestone - in the form of the Alpe d’Huez cycle challenge.

Philip and his team of three covered 450 miles over three days, starting from Troyes, south east of Paris.

Day one saw them cycle through Burgundy to Macon, then into the Vercors and southern Rhone Alps the following 24 hours.

And on the final day the trio cycled to Chamrousse and then, after descending back onto the valley, they tackled the iconic 21 hairpin ascent of the infamous Tour de France climb into Alpe d’Huez.

Phillip's efforts have been rewarded with £4,750 for organisers, Challenge Adventure Charities.

"All the support I have had to date has proved to be a huge source of inspiration to me in completing the challenge and any further support would be, however small, gratefully received to help me reach my fundraising goal."

Phillip is targeting £5,000.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so at justgiving.com/PhilipHolford.