A Teesside student is to run the New York Marathon in aid of charity.

Nkosana Mpofu, 38, aims to raise £900 for Get Kids Going!, and is looking for sponsors.

A former information officer with the British Council in Zimbabwe, he is studying at the University of Teesside.

He said: "I have been running for 18 years, I enjoy keeping fit and meeting up with other runners.

"I get such a sense of fulfilment from running, which can benefit others. I am really looking forward to raising money."

The charity aims to provide sports wheelchairs for children and young adults.

A keen runner, he has taken part in the London Marathon and races at home in Zimbabwe, where he raised funds for drought relief, an old people's home and the Matebeleland Aids council.

He has already achieved a Master of Science degree in Multimedia Application from the University of Teesside, and is now studying for a mental health qualification.

Mr Mpofu also composes Zulu poetry and is recording a CD with help from the university.

To sponsor Mr Mpofu, call 0797 570 031.