A man whose life was saved by his mother when she gave him a kidney is taking part in a 66-mile charity cycle race.

Alison Anderson stepped in immediately when her son Russell was diagnosed with kidney disease 13 years ago.

The 39-year-old now intends to take part in the Etape Loch Ness road race to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

Mr Anderson, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, said: "Going into the operation, I was really worried about my mum and whether this was the right thing for her to do. But she was determined that she was going to do it.

"I was so grateful to her because my life would have turned out very differently otherwise. Over the past 12 years I've been able to get married, have a family and start my own business.

"None of that would have been possible without the transplant and so I thought it was about time that I committed to doing something to show my appreciation."

Alison, 65, said she felt "privileged" to be able to help her son, who was 18 when he was diagnosed.

"Every parent will understand that you stop at nothing when it comes to looking after your children," she added.

The Etape Loch Ness begins in Inverness and follows the A82 along the northern side of the Loch, ending in Fort Augustus on the south side.

Hundreds of riders are expected to take place in this year's race on April 29.