A GROUP of runners are stepping up the pace as they train to run the London Marathon for charity.

The five members of Shildon Running Club are paying their own way to enter the race on Sunday, April 22.

Myra McMenamin, Jean-Pierre Hupin, Bob Davison, Chris Griffith and Ray Halton are taking on the challenge to raise money for three charities.

Mr Hupin and Mr Davison are running the 26 miles, 385 yards to raise money for Leukaemia Research in memory of Mr Hupin's wife, Sue, who died from the disease at 44.

He said: "When I run I'll draw strength from her. She'll be pushing me on.''

Mrs McMenamin and Mr Griffith are fundraising for St Teresa's Hospice, and Mr Halton for the children's charity Dreams Come True.

It is costing the runners more than £125 each to take part in the Flora London Marathon, and they have pledged none of their expenses will be paid for by sponsor money.

Mr Hupin said: "I work at Asda, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, and they have sponsored us with training shirts, but we are paying our own way and do not want that money back.''

Anyone who would like to sponsor the runners or donate money to the charities they have chosen is asked to contact Shildon Running Club secretary Neil Stockley, or Mrs McMenamin, on (01325) 315805.