A Reading resident is set to cycle 75km through rural Kenya, as part of a fundraising initiative.

Judith Batchelar will participate in the GROW for Good Challenge between October 20 and 25, aiming to raise funds and awareness for the international charity, Farm Africa.

This event will see her join an all-women team, cycling across Kenya while camping overnight.

The team will make stops along the way to work on farms managed by female farmers, who are part of Farm Africa's regenerative agriculture project.

The charity supports small-scale farmers in eastern Africa to increase their yield, adapt to climate change, and protect the environment.

The team of 12 aims to raise £75,000 for the cause.

Ms Batchelar, formerly dicrector of Sainsbury's brand at J Sainsbury plc, is now an ambassador for the charity.

Ms Batchelar said: "I am doing this challenge to help improve the lives of rural communities through women farmers.

"Thank you to everyone who is supporting me and my fellow team members, we will put your donations to good use and create a legacy for the future."

In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up the highest percentage of the agricultural labour force.

The charity works to open up new opportunities for female farmers across eastern Africa, helping them to develop new streams of income and work their way out of poverty, while protecting ecosystems for generations to come.

The team help through hands-on regenerative agriculture activities, such as composting and mulching, as well as helping improve farmer's knowledge of agricultural practices through an innovative network of village-based advisors.

Anissa Msallem, head of partnerships for Farm Africa, said: "The GROW for Good Challenge is bringing together women across the global food system around the power of sustainable agriculture to change people's lives and protect the environment.

"We are grateful to them for taking on this unique challenge and the impact they will make."

At the end of their journey, the team will take part in a round table event with female industry leaders in Kenya's capital city Nairobi to raise awareness of the need to drive positive change for women in the global food system.