A BBC World Affairs producer from Ealing who lost his leg in a landmine explosion while covering the Iraq war, will cycle through Death Valley, California, to raise money for mine victims.

Stuart Hughes, who lives in Drayton Gardens, started cycling during the early stages of his rehabilitation because he found walking difficult with his new prosthetic leg.

He has been cycling 100 miles a week in preparation for the Death Valley challenge when he will lead a team of four other cyclists on the gruelling 200-mile trip through one of the most extreme environments on earth to raise £20,000.

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) clears the deadly remnants of conflict across the world. Since stepping on an anti-personnel mine in 2003, Mr Hughes, 33, has given talks across the UK and overseas to raise awareness of the scale of the international landmine problem.

He said: "As a landmine survivor myself, I am proud to support MAG's efforts to rid the world of these horrific weapons. By undertaking this challenge, we hope to raise vital funds to help clear the real death valleys those areas across the world that are blighted by landmines."

MAG is known for its "first-in last-out" approach to mine-affected regions of the world, and clears the way for international aid agencies to deliver humanitarian assistance to war-torn communities safely.

Executive director Lou McGrath said: "We are immensely grateful to all the work Stuart has done for us since his accident. MAG needs high-profile people such as Stuart to help champion our work."

MAG employs more than 2,300 people worldwide. It has destroyed around two million landmines and unexploded bombs since 1992.

For more information, visit www.mag.org.uk