A CHARITY runner will be taking part for the second successive year in Scotland's celebrated Loch Ness Marathon - without leaving the North-East.

David Welsh, 41, will cover the distance on a treadmill at Springs health club, Sunderland, to raise money for his favourite animal charity, the Gateshead-based Bryson Animal Centre.

Mr Welsh, of High Handenhold, near Chester-le-Street said: "I took part in the marathon last year and raised £600 for the refuge, but with one thing or another, including a change of job, I missed securing an entry for this year's event.

"Rather than let the refuge and my sponsors down, I've been casting around for some way of completing the marathon in absentia and so qualify for promised sponsorship money.

"Happily, Springs has come to the rescue and I'm now confident of raising about £1,000."

Mr Welsh has been granted an honorary membership of Springs so that he can train on the treadmill that he will use to run the equivalent of 26 miles of the Loch Ness Marathon.

Tracy Holmes, manager of the refuge, which also operates under the title Northern Counties Horse and Smaller Animal Protection Society, said: "We are busier than ever this year and money raised by enthusiasts like David is a Godsend."