COLWALL man Mike Forecast is running the London Marathon in April to raise funds for the NSPCC.

Mr Forecast, aged 50, is well into a training programme prepared by former winner Mike Gratton.

The operations manager at Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre is hoping to complete the 26.2 mile course in under three-and-a-half hours.

It is 18 years since Mr Forecast last ran the London Marathon, when he finished in 3hrs 17mins, and he said he was looking forward to the experience.

"It's the whole atmosphere, it's such a fantastic, almost carnival, occasion," he said, "It's wonderful coming across Tower Bridge, because there is such a bulk of people running across it you can actually feel the bridge move, that was an experience and, obviously, crossing the finishing line was a great occasion."

Anyone interested in sponsoring him can contact Eve Jones on 01684 574546.

There will also be a fundraising jumble sale at West Malvern Village Hall on March 13 at 10.30am and a pub quiz at the Cross Keys in Malvern on April 2 at 7.30pm.

Mr Forecast will be getting a good run-out on March 7, when he runs the London Half Marathon at Silverstone.