A 50-year-old man is embarking on this year's Great North Run and the New York Marathon in memory of his baby son, who died of meningitis.

Joseph Thornton, from New Brancepeth, near Durham, is marking the 15th anniversary since the death of his baby son, Brian, by raising money for The Meningitis Trust. Brian died from the virus aged nine months on November 15, in 1987.

Mr Thornton took up running after suffering a heart attack five years ago and since then he has run about 2,500 miles for charity.

On his return from the New York Marathon, a fun night will be held at New Brancepeth Working Men's Club on November 8, to help raise further funds for the trust.

There will be an auction of celebrity memorabilia, including T-shirts autographed by Atomic Kitten, Sugababes and Liberty X, and a bowling shirt belonging to Lee from Steps.

There will also be signed photos of the cast of Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, Eddie Izzard and Tony Blair.

The running order for BBC's coverage of this year's England v Argentina World Cup match, signed by Gary Lineker, will also be up for grabs along with a dress belonging to soap opera character Linda Baldwin.

Tickets, priced £3, are issued on a first come first serve basis and can be brought from the T-shirt stall in Durham Market Place or by ringing 0775 2630279.