Retired vicar Reverend Clifford Owen has completed his incredible 900-mile cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats and returned to a heartwarming civic welcome.

After 17 days in the saddle, an exhausted Clifford pedalled across the finish line on September 6 and was thrilled to learn he had raised more than £3,000 in aid of his home church in Hartford, sextupling his target.

The Hunts Post: Clifford was given civic welcome at his home church, All Saints Church, Hartford.Clifford was given civic welcome at his home church, All Saints Church, Hartford. (Image: Newsquest)

He received a fitting civic welcome from friends, family, parishioners and civic dignitaries at All Saints Church Hartford on September 10, who all celebrated his remarkable feat.

Although Clifford has been doing sponsored rides for 30 years, he said he had never previously had the support generated for this one.

The Hunts Post: The Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Phil Pearce and Mayoress of Huntingdon Debbie Pearce, greeted the cyclists on their return.The Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Phil Pearce and Mayoress of Huntingdon Debbie Pearce, greeted the cyclists on their return. (Image: Newsquest)

Clifford thanked all those who came and sponsored him and said: "I was overwhelmed by the prayer base and the interest."

Clifford had also used the cycle to celebrate his 80th birthday year and mark 50 years since he was ordained into the Church of England but assured this length of a cycle would be his last.

"It was different this time," Clifford said.

"On my three previous rides, I always felt that I had some energy left at the end of each day, but this time, I was spent, and I only survived by getting to bed at 9pm!

The Hunts Post: Clifford on day 14 of his journey at the Grampian Mountains.Clifford on day 14 of his journey at the Grampian Mountains. (Image: Clifford Owen)

The Hunts Post: Clifford at the end of his mammoth cycle.Clifford at the end of his mammoth cycle. (Image: Newsquest)

"However, to my surprise, I discovered that even at 80, the body starts to get fit again, but strength had deteriorated, and the hills were tough. 

READ MORE: Retired vicar given an almighty civic send-off ahead of huge 900 mile cycle

READ MORE: Retired vicar to cycle mammoth 900-miles one last time for his 80th birthday

Despite some issues with the gear changer, Clifford's salvaged 25-year-old bike frame held up well with no punctures.

The Hunts Post: Clifford's daughters Isobel (L) and Kathryn (R) joined him on his journey.Clifford's daughters Isobel (L) and Kathryn (R) joined him on his journey. (Image: Newsquest)

Clifford was also immensely thankful for his daughters Kathryn and Isobel, who, between them, rode the distance with him, keeping him turning the pedals when energy flagged.

The Hunts Post: The family wore specially made t-shirts to mark the cycle and efforts.The family wore specially made t-shirts to mark the cycle and efforts. (Image: Newsquest)

In addition to the money raised for his church, Clifford also aims to raise £1,000 for the Intercontinental Church Society, and he hopes the mainland European churches will give it a final push.

If you still wish to donate and learn more about his journey, visit www.allsaintshartford.org.uk.

The Hunts Post: Clifford was given a civic welcome and civic send-off as part of the fantastic local community support.Clifford was given a civic welcome and civic send-off as part of the fantastic local community support. (Image: Newsquest)