A CHAMPION fundraiser is preparing to take his place in this year's London Marathon.

Steve Wilson, from Barnard Castle, helped raise hundreds of pounds for the Heart Research Fund by competing in last year's Leeds Marathon.

The charity has returned the favour by giving Mr Wilson a free place in the London Marathon, which takes place on April 22.

He has also won a full running kit and trainers, courtesy of sports manufacturers New Balance.

Mr Wilson, a sales manager with the HSBC bank, will compete in the marathon with his wife, Jan, who is running on behalf of British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering.

He said: "As any marathon runner knows, places in the London Marathon are very hard to come by. When I discovered I had won one after fundraising for heart research I was over the moon."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Wilson should call (01833) 690327.