A Mersea motorbike man is on his way home today with two broken ribs after completing a gruelling 1,000-mile endurance trip in South Africa, alongside princes William and Harry.

Cycle shop owner Paul Davis, 54, completed the Global Enduro challenge in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, eight days after 80 riders left Port Shepstone, south of Durban.

Riding 230cc trial bikes, the mostly British team crossed rugged mountains, dry river beds, wild coastline, gorges and scrubland and witnessed dire poverty in the Eastern Cape which is South Africa’s poorest province.

Mr Davis – who had to raise £5,000 to take part in the trip – suffered his injury on the third day.

“I was riding along and fell off after I got hit from behind by another bike. It really hurt, and it was only because of the excellent work of the doctors that I could continue with the broken ribs.”

Mr Davis said the princes joined in and were fun to be with.

“The princes were good value. They took part in everything and had a laugh. They didn’t get any preferential treatment and helped out when necessary.

  • More in today's Gazette