A Workington man is set to tackle his biggest challenge yet – as he takes on Ironman Wales next month.

Pat Carr decided around three years ago that he wanted to lose weight and, after shedding over three and a half stone, he set himself some new goals.

After ramping up his fitness programme Carr, a martial arts expert, set his sights on one of the most gruelling events in the UK sports calendar - the Ironman.

"I had never really swam before, about one length of front crawl was my limit," said Carr, who also serves on the Workington Lifeboat.

"When I first went back swimming I was splashing about like a washing machine so I put in for lessons before taking on Bassenthwaite Triathlon.

"I was looking for an Ironman to do at the time and I just thought why not put in for the hardest, Ironman Wales and that will teach me to swim!

"It is the hardest ironman event in Great Britain but I knew I had to put in a lot of training for whichever one I chose so I thought I might as well go for the hardest."

Carr, who turns 43 this month, admitted he had been inspired to tackle an ironman by an old friend.

Graeme Fearon had an accident a few years ago with severe injuries but after recovering he tackled an ironman himself.

And that inspired Carr to give it a go, with advice from Fearon, who has also helped him to organise his preparation for events.

"If it wasn't for Graeme I would probably never have done this," said Carr. "He has been there for me every step of the way with advice."

Trying to up his training, Carr has now completed the Keswick Mountain Festival triathlon and a half ironman in Edinburgh.

But he has also had to battle a series of injuries that set him back but he is determined to reach his goal and also inspire his five children.

"I want to inspire my kids. I have already achieved so much in martial arts but I want them to see that you are never too old to set a new goal," he said. "You just need to start at A and finish at B."

Ironman Wales takes place on September 9 and Carr will have to tackle a 2.4 mile swim in the sea, a 112 mile bike ride, finished off with a 26.2 mile run.

He is also using the event to raise funds for two causes close to his heart, the Knights of the Western Lakes and the RNLI.

He has a donation page at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PatrickCarr1 as well as sponsor forms.

There is also a charity night at Senhouse St Club, Workington, on August 23 as Carr aims to raise £1460 for each cause.

Carr thanked all of his sponsors, including his own company Altitude Tree Services, Kevin Farrington of Derwent Recycling Services, Paul Berwick of Marian's, Paul McGee of the Hungry Caterpillar, Andrew Storey Roofing and everyone who has helped him in any way.