AN Army corporal from Middleton St George is hoping his routine training sessions will get him in shape to run a marathon for charity.

Cpl Alex Crawford, who was born in Darlington but is serving in Northern Ireland, has signed up to run the Las Vegas Marathon in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

Although the event does not take place until January 29 2006, the 30-year-old has already started preparing and hopes to begin collecting sponsorship to raise as much money as he can.

Cpl Crawford said: "I believe the Alzheimer's Society is a very worthwhile charity and I am trying the best I can to raise as much money as possible.

"I have been in the Army for 11 years now. Being based in Armagh, Northern Ireland, there isn't too much to do when we are not working apart from train, so I have decided to put it to use and raise money for a worthwhile charity.

"I am sending sponsorship forms to army units around the world and I hope the people of Darlington will be able to help me further to raise as much as I can."

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.

To find out more about the society or to sponsor Cpl Crawford call the charity on 020 7306 0606.