The well-known local sculptor and engraver combined his love of the Angus Glens and his determination to overcome health problems to not only cycle to Glen Doll, climb to the summit of two Munros, but then get back on his bike to cycle home - all before the clock struck midnight.

"I was like Cinderella but I knew I could be home before midnight," Bruce explained after catching his breath again at his Kirrie home.

"I left my house at 4.33 p.m. on Sunday as I wanted to prove you could climb these Munros from your home after doing a day's work."

After one hour and 14 minutes cycling up the glen on his racing bike, Bruce swapped over to a mountain bike and rode to the foot of the Kilbo Path before swapping the bike for "Shank's Pony".

He reached the summit of Dreish then walked for an hour to the summit of Mayar, before heading downhill to repeat his cycle journey in reverse.

Bruce's love of the great outdoors has been slightly curtailed due to on-going health problems which resulted in him having to give up his driving licence - but he was determined that would not stop his personal challenge.

Although he completed the challenge comfortably, he was slightly hampered by mist on the tops - and the drizzle and the local rabbit population which made the return journey in the dark slightly precarious.

However, thanks to his superb back-up team of Ralph Neave and Keith Harper, he kept on course.

He said: "I couldn't have done it without them. They were a tremendous back-up team. Ralph was able to use his experience from the Scouts to lead me through the mist, and they drove behind me on the way back so I could use the lights from the vehicle.

"Kirriemuir and the surrounding countryside is truly spectacular and I have a real desire to promote the area as a wonderful destination to visit and experience.

"Despite my health problems I believe in living life to the full and by doing this challenge I hope others will realise that everything is possible if you put your mind to it.

"At the same time, I wanted the challenge to raise money for a good cause and Mercy Ships was my obvious choice. I first heard about Mercy Ships a few years ago when I was talking to Dr Keith Thomson who regularly volunteers on board the hospital ship, and was amazed to hear about the life saving work the volunteers do.

"In addition to the doctors and nurses who carry out the life saving operations, the ship needs volunteers from all walks of life including engineers, agriculturalists, builders, cooks and teachers to help run the ship and provide essential life skills to the local communities."

Susie Hope, fund-raising manager (Scotland) for Mercy Ships UK, said: "Bruce is a truly remarkable man who has set himself a challenge that I think even Olympic athletes would struggle to complete.

"We are extremely grateful he has chosen to do the challenge in aid of Mercy Ships and thank everyone who has supported him so far.

"Mercy Ships operates on thousands of people each year who have no other access to healthcare and we can only do that with the help of people like Bruce."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to mark Bruce's achievements can either visit him at his shop in Cumberland Close in Kirriemuir, or contact Susie Hope, fund-raising manager (Scotland), Mercy Ships UK on 01899 830 475 or email susie.hope@mercyships.org.uk

Further details on the charity can be found on www.mercyships.org.uk