A man who spent seven months cycling from South Africa for charity made it home to Cornwall just in time to spend Christmas with his family.

Oliver Slee set off on his epic journey in June after heading to Johannesburg to watch England play in the World Cup.

He did no training but wanted to raise money for the developing world charity, Children in Crossfire.

Speaking from his home in Looe, having raised more than £1,800, he said: 'It was brilliant and I had a great time. Originally I thought it would take a year, but I realised halfway through it would not take that long and that I would be home for Christmas.'

On average Oliver, 23, cycled 50 miles a day, some days doing up to 90 miles. He travelled through eight African countries and three European countries and said it was the people of Sudan who were the most friendly.

'Most people I met in Africa couldn't really grasp what I was trying to do, but when I said I was going from the next town to England they were amazed. I had been to Tanzania to do voluntary work and I fell in love with the country. I didn't have a single problem – the most dangerous was in Europe because of the traffic.'

Oliver arrived in Plymouth on the ferry from Santander and then cycled back to his family home in Looe, with his brother Tim, 29. He kept his family and friends up to date with his progress via the social networking website, Facebook, and supporters can donate to the cause at http://www.just">www.just

giving.com/Oliver-Slee

Oliver and his girlfriend singer-songwriter Jessica Sweetman, 20, from Seaton, had only been going out for seven months before he set off.

'The thing I missed most was my family and my girlfriend,' said Oliver. 'She was very supportive and said it was fantastic. It was very tough, but I met my brother in Tanzania and he cycled with me there and then I met Jess in Egypt.'

Having returned home to a big welcome, Oliver was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed.

'It hasn't sunk in yet, but there is a massive sense of relief that I won't have to cycle tomorrow. I don't want to look at my bike in a while.'

His mother June said: 'I think it is absolutely wonderful. I never doubted he would do it because of the kind of boy he is. To have him home for Christmas is a bonus. He is modest and very laidback and can't see what all the fuss is about.'