McGregor gets back on bike

Globetrotting actor Ewan McGregor is set to embark on another epic motorcycle journey, travelling from the tip of Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa.

The Trainspotting star is to be accompanied by his friend Charley Boorman, son of film director John Boorman, on the 6,500 mile (10,460 kilometre) trek.

The pair rode through Russia, Europe, Mongolia, Alaska and North America last year (04) to raise money for UNICEF, The United Nations children's fund and are eager for another challenge.

McGregor says: "We live in such a comfortable and easy time that it doesn't do yourself any harm to go and test yourselves, and survive with just the bare essentials."

His spokeswoman confirms: "Ewan loves bikes and he had a great time with Charley on last year's venture.

"Another trip is in the pipeline."