A COUNTY chef is racing against the clock to raise enough sponsorship money to enter the London Marathon.

With just a month left to go, Mike Carnell, head chef at the Rhydspence Inn at Whitney-on-Wye, is organising publicity and fundraising events to reach his £2,000 goal.

He has already given a talk to pupils and teachers at Hay-on-Wye Primary School where youngsters have pledged to do their bit by holding a themed no uniform day, to help him raise the final £500.

Pupils will also write about the London Marathon and the Cancer Research Campaign in their new school magazine.

It could be Mike's lucky day on Saturday, March 23, when he hosts bingo at Hay Parish Hall from 7.30pm.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mike can contact him at the Rhydspence Inn on 01497 831262. Sponsor forms are also available at Hay library, Spar, Hay Design and Print and Clyro Post Office.