A cyclist who had an unlucky encounter with a cat in Ottery wants to highlight the importance of wearing a helmet, after it saved him from serious injury.

David Morris, 61, was still left with injured ribs and damaged ligaments from the bizarre collision, but said it could have been a lot worse.

And the accident has put a spanner in his training for a charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, admitting he doesn’t know when he’ll be back on his bike.

He said he was on his usual morning bike ride down Raleigh Road last week, when a cat shot out in front of him.

David added: “I didn’t know how it happened, I was lying in the middle of the road in agony with my shoulder, the bike was in bits.”

He is unsure what happened to the cat, which made a swift exit after the accident.

The 61-year-old, from Feniton, suffered ligament damage to his arm leaving him wearing a sling, bruising and damage to his ribs, but said: “I hate to think how it would have been without a helmet.”

David, who is a member of Sid Valley Cycle Club, implored all riders to wear a helmet, saying there is no reason not to, and they can be a lifesaver.

He is determined to go ahead with his 900-mile solo cycling challenge, having been inspired to raise money by his daughter’s diagnosis with breast cancer last year.

To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/David-Morris17.